Agonists of guanylate cyclase useful for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, cancer and other disorders

ABSTRACT

The invention provides novel guanylate cyclase-C agonist peptides and their use in the treatment of human diseases including gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation or cancer (e.g., a gastrointestinal cancer). The peptides can be administered either alone or in combination with an inhibitor of cGMP-dependent phosphodiesterase. The gastrointestinal disorder may be classified as either irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, or excessive acidity etc. The gastrointestinal disease may be classified as either inflammatory bowel disease or other GI condition including Crohn&#39;s disease and ulcerative colitis, and cancer.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of the U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/467,703 filed May 9, 2012, which is a divisionalapplication of the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/478,505 filedJun. 4, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,207,295, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Ser. No. 61/058,888, filed Jun. 4, 2008, the contents of each ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF SEQUENCE LISTING

The contents of the text file named “40737-504D02US_ST25.txt”, which wascreated on Dec. 14, 2012 and is 9.78 KB in size, are hearby incorporatedby reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the therapeutic use of guanylatecyclase C (GC-C) agonists as a means for enhancing the intracellularproduction of cGMP. The agonists may be used either alone or incombination with inhibitors of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase toprevent or treat inflammation, cancer and other disorders, particularlyof the gastrointestinal tract and the lung.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Uroguanylin, guanylin and bacterial ST peptides are structurally relatedpeptides that bind to a guanylate cyclase receptor and stimulateintracellular production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) (1-6).This results in the activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembraneconductance regulator (CFTR), an apical membrane channel for efflux ofchloride from enterocytes lining the intestinal tract (1-6). Activationof CFTR and the subsequent enhancement of transepithelial secretion ofchloride lead to stimulation of sodium and water secretion into theintestinal lumen. Therefore, by serving as paracrine regulators of CFTRactivity, cGMP receptor agonists regulate fluid and electrolytetransport in the GI tract (1-6; U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,670). Thus, thecGMP-mediated activation of CFTR and the downstream signaling plays animportant role in normal functioning of gut physiology. Therefore, anyabnormality in this process could potentially lead to gastrointestinaldisorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease,excessive acidity and cancer (25, 26).

The process of epithelial renewal involves the proliferation, migration,differentiation, senescence, and eventual loss of GI cells in the lumen(7, 8). The GI mucosa can be divided into three distinct zones based onthe proliferation index of epithelial cells. One of these zones, theproliferative zone, consists of undifferentiated stem cells responsiblefor providing a constant source of new cells. The stem cells migrateupward toward the lumen to which they are extruded. As they migrate, thecells lose their capacity to divide and become differentiated forcarrying out specialized functions of the GI mucosa (9). Renewal of GImucosa is very rapid with complete turnover occurring within a 24-48hour period (9). During this process mutated and unwanted cells arereplenished with new cells. Hence, homeostasis of the GI mucosa isregulated by continual maintenance of the balance between proliferationand apoptotic rates (8).

The rates of cell proliferation and apoptosis in the gut epithelium canbe increased or decreased in a wide variety of different circumstances,e.g., in response to physiological stimuli such as aging, inflammatorysignals, hormones, peptides, growth factors, chemicals and dietaryhabits. In addition, an enhanced proliferation rate is frequentlyassociated with a reduction in turnover time and an expansion of theproliferative zone (10). The proliferation index has been observed to bemuch higher in pathological cases of ulcerative colitis and other GIdisorders (11). Thus, intestinal hyperplasia is the major promoter ofgastrointestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis.

In addition to a role for uroguanylin and guanylin as modulators ofintestinal fluid and ion secretion, these peptides may also be involvedin the continual renewal of GI mucosa by maintaining the balance betweenproliferation and apoptosis in cells lining GI mucosa. Therefore, anydisruption in this renewal process, due to reduced production ofuroguanylin and/or guanylin can lead to GI inflammation and cancer (25,26). This is consistent with previously published data in WO 01/25266,which suggest a peptide with the active domain of uroguanylin mayfunction as an inhibitor of polyp development in the colon and mayconstitute a treatment of colon cancer. However, recent data alsosuggest that uroguanylin also binds to a currently unknown receptor,which is distinct from GC-C receptor (3,4). Knockout mice lacking thisguanylate cyclase receptor show resistance to ST peptides in theintestine, but effects of uroguanylin and ST peptides are not disturbedin the kidney in vivo (3). These results were further supported by thefact that membrane depolarization induced by guanylin was blocked bygenistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, whereas hyperpolarizationinduced by uroguanylin was not effected (12, 13). Thus, it is not clearif the anti-colon cancer and anti-inflammatory activities of uroguanylinand its analogs are mediated through binding to one or both of thesereceptors.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a general name given to a group ofdisorders that cause intestines to become inflamed, characterized by redand swollen tissue. Gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation can be a chroniccondition and often leads to GI cancer (14). Examples of suchinflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) include Crohn's disease and ulcerativecolitis (UC). It is estimated that as many as 1,000,000 Americans areafflicted with IBD, with male and female patients appearing to beequally affected. Most cases are diagnosed before age 30, but thedisease can occur in the sixth, seventh, and later decades of life.

Crohn's disease is a serious inflammatory disease that predominantlyeffects ileum and colon, but can also occur in other sections of the GItract, whereas UC is exclusively an inflammatory disease of the colon,the large intestine (15). Unlike Crohn's disease, in which all layers ofthe intestine are involved, and in which there can be normal healthybowel in between patches of diseased bowel, UC affects only theinnermost lining (mucosa) of the colon in a continuous manner (16).Depending on which portion of the GI tract is involved, Crohn's diseasemay be referred to as ileitis, regional enteritis, colitis, etc. Crohn'sdisease and UC differ from spastic colon or irritable bowel syndrome,which are motility disorders of the GI tract.

While the precise cause of IBD is not known, it is believed that thedisruption of the process of continual renewal of GI mucosa may beinvolved in disease (17,18). The renewal process of the GI lining is anefficient and dynamic process involving the continual proliferation andreplenishment of unwanted damaged cells. Proliferation rates of cellslining the GI mucosa are very high, second only to the hematopoieticsystem. Thus, the balance between proliferation and apoptosis isimportant to the maintenance of the homeostasis of the GI mucosa(19,20).

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating inflammatory conditionof the gastrointestinal tract that afflicts 10% of premature infantsborn weighing less than 1500 grams. Despite modern medical advances, theetiology remains elusive, and morbidity and mortality is unacceptablyhigh, with as many as 10-30% of affected infants succumbing to thedisease. Although the pathophysiology is incompletely understood, it isknown that prematurity, formula feeding, intestinal ischemia, andbacterial colonization are important risk factors. It has been suggestedthat these risk factors initiate the activation of the pro-inflammatoryresponse that ultimately leads to bowel necrosis, and in some casesmulti-organ dysfunction syndrome, and death. Multiple inflammatorymediators have been identified that might contribute to this finalcommon pathway. Several of the pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules havebeen studied in detail in animal models, in humans, and in vitro,including IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 as well as nitric oxide, oxygen freeradicals, and numerous others. Previously, we reported that SP-304ameliorates GI inflammation in experimental models of murine colitis,possibly through downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such asIL-4, IL-5, IL-17, IL-23 and TNF-a. (Shailubhai et al, 2007 and 2008).Therefore, GC-C agonists such as uroguanylin, guanylin, E. colienterotoxin ST peptides and their analogs might be used to prevent,control and treat NEC. GC-C agonists may be given either in drinkingwater or in mother's milk to treat NEC in newborn babies.

GI homeostasis depends on both proliferation and programmed cellulardeath (apoptosis) of epithelial cells lining the gut mucosa. Hence,cells are continually lost from the villus into the lumen of the gut andare replenished at a substantially equal rate by the proliferation ofcells in the crypts, followed by their upward movement to the villus. Ithas become increasingly apparent that the control of cell death is anequally, if not more, important regulator of cell number andproliferation index (19,20). Reduced rates of apoptosis are oftenassociated with abnormal growth, inflammation, and neoplastictransformation. Thus, both decreased proliferation and/or increased celldeath may reduce cell number, whereas increased proliferation and/orreduced cell death may increase the proliferation index of intestinaltissue (20), which may lead to GI inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Uroguanylin and guanylin peptides also appear to promote apoptosis bycontrolling cellular ion flux. Alterations in apoptosis have beenassociated with tumor progression to the metastatic phenotype. While aprimary gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is limited to the small intestine,colon, and rectum, it may metastasize and spread to such localities asbone, lymph nodes, liver, lung, peritoneum, ovaries, and brain. Byenhancing the efflux of K+ and influx of Ca++, uroguanylin and relatedpeptides may promote the death of transformed cells and thereby inhibitmetastasis

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic idiopathic constipation arepathological conditions that can cause a great deal of intestinaldiscomfort and distress but unlike the IBD diseases such as ulcerativecolitis and Crohn's disease, IBS does not cause the serious inflammationor changes in bowel tissue and it is not thought to increase the risk ofcolorectal cancer. In the past, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiacdisease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were regarded as completelyseparate disorders. Now, with the description of inflammation, albeitlow-grade, in IBS, and of symptom overlap between IBS and celiacdisease, this contention has come under question. Acute bacterialgastroenteritis is the strongest risk factor identified to date for thesubsequent development of postinfective irritable bowel syndrome.Clinical risk factors include prolonged acute illness and the absence ofvomiting. A genetically determined susceptibility to inflammatorystimuli may also be a risk factor for irritable bowel syndrome. Theunderlying pathophysiology indicates increased intestinal permeabilityand low-grade inflammation, as well as altered motility and visceralsensitivity (27). Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) is a keymodulator of gut function and is known to play a major role inpathophysiology of IBS. It has been shown that the activity of 5-HT isregulated by cGMP (28). Therefore, based on this observation as well asother effects of cGMP, we believe that GC-C agonists will be useful inthe treatment of IBS.

Given the prevalence of inflammatory conditions in Western societies andthe attendant risk of developing cancerous lesions from inflamed tissue,particularly intestinal tissue, a need exists to improve the treatmentoptions for inflammatory conditions, particularly of thegastrointestinal tract.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based upon the development of agonists ofguanylate cyclase receptor. The agonists are analogs of uroguanylin andbacterial ST peptides and have superior properties such as for examplehigh resistance to degradation at the N-terminus and C-terminus fromcarboxypeptidases and/or by other proteolytic enzymes present in thestimulated human intestinal juices and human gastric juices.

The peptides of the invention may be used to treat any condition thatresponds to enhanced intracellular levels of cGMP. Intracellular levelsof cGMP can be increased by enhancing intracellular production of cGMPand/or by inhibition of its degradation by cGMP-specificphosphodiesterases. Among the specific conditions that can be treated orprevented are gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory disorders, lungdisorders, cancer, cardiac disorders, eye disorders, oral disorders,blood disorders, liver disorders, skin disorders, prostate disorders,endocrine disorders, increasing gastrointestinal motility and obesity.Gastrointestinal disorders include for example, irritable bowel syndrome(IBS), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), non-ulcer dyspepsia, chronicintestinal pseudo-obstruction, functional dyspepsia, colonicpseudo-obstruction, duodenogastric reflux, gastroesophageal refluxdisease (GERD), ileus inflammation (e.g., post-operative ileus),gastroparesis, heartburn (high acidity in the GI tract), constipation(e.g., constipation associated with use of medications such as opioids,osteoarthritis drugs, osteoporosis drugs; post surgical constipation,constipation associated with neuropathic disorders. Inflammatorydisorders include tissue and organ inflammation such as kidneyinflammation (e.g., nephritis), gastrointestinal system inflammation(e.g., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis); pancreatic inflammation(e.g., pancreatis), lung inflammation (e.g., bronchitis or asthma) orskin inflammation (e.g., psoriasis, eczema). Lung Disorders include forexample chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and fibrosis.Cancer includes tissue and organ carcinogenesis including metatases suchas for example gastrointestinal cancer, (e.g., gastric cancer,esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer colorectal cancer, intestinalcancer, anal cancer, liver cancer, gallbladder cancer, or colon cancer;lung cancer; thyroid cancer; skin cancer (e.g., melanoma); oral cancer;urinary tract cancer (e.g. bladder cancer or kidney cancer); bloodcancer (e.g. myeloma or leukemia) or prostate cancer. Cardiac disordersinclude for example, congestive heart failure, trachea cardiahypertension, high cholesterol, or high tryglycerides. Liver disordersinclude for example cirrhosis and fibrosis. In addition, GC-C agonistmay also be useful to facilitate liver regeneration in liver transplantpatients. Eye disorders include for example increased intra-ocularpressure, glaucoma, dry eyes retinal degeneration, disorders of tearglands or eye inflammation. Skin disorders include for example xerosis.Oral disorders include for example dry mouth (xerostomia), Sjögren'ssyndrome, gum diseases (e.g., periodontal disease), or salivary glandduct blockage or malfunction. Prostate disorders include for examplebenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Endocrine disorders include forexample diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and cysticfibrosis.

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a peptide consistingessentially of the amino acid sequence of, SEQ ID NOs: 2-8 and totherapeutic compositions which contain these peptides. The term“consisting essentially of” includes peptides that are identical to arecited sequence identification number and other sequences that do notdiffer substantially in terms of either structure or function. For thepurpose of the present application, a peptide differs substantially ifits structure varies by more than three amino acids from a peptide ofSEQ ID NOs: 2-8 or if its activation of cellular cGMP production isreduced by more than 50% compared to a control peptide such as SEQ IDNO:1. Preferably, substantially similar peptides should differ by nomore than two amino acids and not differ by more than about 25% withrespect to activating cGMP production. The instant peptide sequencescomprise at least 12 amino acid residues, preferably between 12 and 26amino acids in length.

The peptides may be in a pharmaceutical composition in unit dose form,together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,excipients or diluents. The term “unit dose form” refers to a singledrug delivery entity, e.g., a tablet, capsule, solution or inhalationformulation. The amount of peptide present should be sufficient to havea positive therapeutic effect when administered to a patient (typically,between 100 μg and 3 g). What constitutes a “positive therapeuticeffect” will depend upon the particular condition being treated and willinclude any significant improvement in a condition readily recognized byone of skill in the art. For example, it may constitute a reduction ininflammation, shrinkage of polyps or tumors, a reduction in metastaticlesions, etc.

In yet another aspect, an invention provides administering to saidpatient an effective dose of an inhibitor of cGMP-specificphosphodiesterase (cGMP-PDE) either concurrently or sequentially withsaid guanylate cyclase receptor agonist. The cGMP-PDE inhibitor includesfor example suldinac sulfone, zaprinast, and motapizone, vardenifil, andsildenafil. In addition, GC-C agonist peptides may be used incombination with inhibitors of cyclic nucleotide transporters.

Optionally, anti-inflammatory agents are also administered.Anti-inflammatory agents include for example steroids and non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from andare encompassed by the following detailed description and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is based upon the development of agonists ofguanylate cyclase-C (GC-C). The agonists are analogs of uroguanylin andhave superior properties such as for example high resistance todegradation at the N-terminus and C-terminus from carboxypeptidasesand/or by other proteolytic enzymes such as those present in thestimulated human intestinal fluid (SIF) and simulated human gastricfluid (SGF). Specifically, these peptides contain a d-amino acid at theamino-terminus and the carboxyl terminus. Additionally these peptidesare modified as to mask the carboxyl-terminal carboxylic acid with anamide. Thus, the peptide is protected on both termini from degradationby proteases present in SIF and SGF. Examples of such a peptide includeSP-363, SP-365, SP-367 and SP-373 shown in Table I.

The GC-C is expressed on various cells including on gastrointestinalepithelial cells, and on extra-intestinal tissues including kidney,lung, pancreas, pituitary, adrenal, developing liver, heart and male andfemale reproductive tissues (reviewed in Vaandrager 2002 Mol CellBiochem 230:73-83). The GC-C is a key regulator of fluid and electrolytebalance in the intestine and kidney. In the intestine, when stimulated,the GC-C causes an increase in intestinal epithelial cGMP. This increasein cGMP causes a decrease in water and sodium absorption and an increasein chloride and potassium ion secretion, leading to changes inintestinal fluid and electrolyte transport and increased intestinalmotility.

The gualylate cyclase-C agonists according to the invention include SEQID NO:2-8 and are summarized below in Table I. The gualylate cyclase-Cagonists according to the invention are collectively referred to hereinas “GCRA peptides”.

TABLE I  GCRA Peptides Name Structure SEQ ID NO: SP304Asn¹-Asp²-Glu³-Cys⁴-Glu⁵-Leu⁶-Cys⁷-Val⁸-Asn⁹-Val¹⁰-Ala¹¹-Cys¹²- 1Thr¹³-Gly¹⁴-Cys¹⁵-Leu¹⁶ SP-333dAsn¹-Asp²-Glu³-Cys⁴-Glu⁵-Leu⁶-Cys⁷-Val⁸-Asn⁹-Val¹⁰-Ala¹¹-Cys¹²- 2Thr¹³-Gly¹⁴-Cys¹⁵-dLeu¹⁶ SP-363dAsn¹-Asp²-Glu³-Cys⁴-Glu⁵-Leu⁶-Cys⁷-Val⁸-Asn⁹-Val¹⁰-Ala¹¹-Cys¹²- 3Thr¹³-Gly¹⁴-Cys¹⁵-dLeu-AMIDE¹⁶ SP-364dAsn¹-Asp²-Glu³-Cys⁴-Glu⁵-Leu⁶-Cys⁷-Val⁸-Asn⁹-Val¹⁰-Ala¹¹-Cys¹²- 4Thr¹³-Gly¹⁴-Cys¹⁵-dSer¹⁶ SP-365dAsn¹-Asp²-Glu³-Cys⁴-Glu⁵-Leu⁶-Cys⁷-Val⁸-Asn⁹-Val¹⁰-Ala¹¹-Cys¹²- 5Thr¹³-Gly¹⁴-Cys¹⁵-dSer-AMIDE¹⁶ SP-366dAsn¹-Asp²-Glu³-Cys⁴-Glu⁵-Leu⁶-Cys⁷-Val⁸-Asn⁹-Val¹⁰-Ala¹¹-Cys¹²- 6Thr¹³-Gly¹⁴-Cys¹⁵-dTyr¹⁶ SP-367dAsn¹-Asp²-Glu³-Cys⁴-Glu⁵-Leu⁶-Cys⁷-Val⁸-Asn⁹-Val¹⁰-Ala¹¹-Cys¹²- 7Thr¹³-Gly¹⁴-Cys¹⁵-dTyr-AMIDE¹⁶ SP-373Pyglu¹-Asp²-Glu³-Cys⁴-Glu⁵-Leu⁶-Cys⁷-Val⁸-Asn⁹-Val¹⁰-Ala¹¹-Cys¹²- 8Thr¹³-Gly¹⁴-Cys¹⁵-dLeu-AMIDE¹⁶

The GCRA peptides described herein bind the guanylate cyclase C (GC-C)and stimulate intracellular production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP). Optionally, the GCRA peptides induce apoptosis. In some aspects,the GCRA peptides stimulate intracellular cGMP production at higherlevels than naturally occurring GC-C agonists (e.g., uroguanylin,guanylin, and ST peptides) and/or SP-304. For example, the GCRA peptidesof the invention stimulate 5, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 90% or moreintracellular cGMP compared to naturally occurring GC-C angonists and/orSP-304. The terms induced and stimulated are used interchangeablythroughout the specification. The GCRA peptides described herein aremore stable than naturally occurring GC-C agonists and/or SP-304. Bymore stable it is meant that the peptide degrade less and/or more slowlyin simulated gastrointestinal fluid and/or simulated intestinal fluidcompared to naturally occurring GC-C angonists and/or SP-304. Forexample, the GCRA peptide of the invention degrade 2%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%,20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 90% or less compared to naturally occurringGC-C angonists and/or SP-304.

The GCRA peptides described herein have therapeutic value in thetreatment of a wide variety of disorders and conditions including forexample gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory disorders, lungdisorders, cancer, cardiac disorders, eye disorders, oral disorders,blood disorders, liver disorders, skin disorders, prostate disorders,endocrine disorders, increasing gastrointestinal motility and obesity.Gastrointestinal disorders include for example, irritable bowel syndrome(IBS), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), non-ulcer dyspepsia, chronicintestinal pseudo-obstruction, functional dyspepsia, colonicpseudo-obstruction, duodenogastric reflux, gastroesophageal refluxdisease (GERD)ileus (e.g., post-operative ileus), gastroparesis,heartburn (high acidity in the GI tract), constipation (e.g.,constipation associated with use of medications such as opioids,osteoarthritis drugs, osteoporosis drugs; post surgical constipation,constipation associated with neuropathic disorders. Inflammatorydisorders include tissue and organ inflammation such as kidneyinflammation (e.g., nephritis), gastrointestinal system inflammation(e.g., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis); pancreatic inflammation(e.g., pancreatis), lung inflammation (e.g., bronchitis or asthma) orskin inflammation (e.g., psoriasis, eczema). Lung Disorders include forexample chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and fibrosis.Cancer includes tissue and organ carcinogenesis including metatases suchas for example gastrointestinal cancer, (e.g., gastric cancer,esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer colorectal cancer, intestinalcancer, anal cancer, liver cancer, gallbladder cancer, or colon cancer;lung cancer; thyroid cancer; skin cancer (e.g., melanoma); oral cancer;urinary tract cancer (e.g. bladder cancer or kidney cancer); bloodcancer (e.g. myeloma or leukemia) or prostate cancer. Cardiac disordersinclude for example, congestive heart failure, trachea cardiahypertension, high cholesterol, or high tryglycerides. Liver disordersinclude for example cirrhosis and fibrosis. Eye disorders include forexample increased intra-ocular pressure, glaucoma, dry eyes retinaldegeneration, disorders of tear glands or eye inflammation. Skindisorders include for example xerosis. Oral disorders include forexample dry mouth (xerostomia), Sjögren's syndrome, gum diseases (e.g.,periodontal disease), or salivary gland duct blockage or malfunction.Prostate disorders include for example Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH). Endocrine disorders include for example diabetes mellitus,hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and cystic fibrosis.

As used herein, the term “guanylate cyclase C (GC-C)” refers to theclass of guanylate cyclase C receptor on any cell type to which theinventive agonist peptides or natural agonists described herein bind. Asused herein, “intestinal guanylate cyclase receptor” is foundexclusively on epithelial cells lining the GI mucosa. Uroguanylin,guanylin, and ST peptides are expected to bind to these receptors andmay induce apoptosis. The possibility that there may be differentreceptors for each agonist peptide is not excluded. Hence, the termrefers to the class of guanylate cyclase receptors on epithelial cellslining the GI mucosa.

As used herein, the term “GCR agonist” is meant to refer to peptidesand/or other compounds that bind to an intestinal guanylate cyclase Cand stimulate fluid and electrolyte transport. This term also coversfragments and pro-peptides that bind to GC-C and stimulate fluid andwater secretion.

As used herein, the term “substantially equivalent” is meant to refer toa peptide that has an amino acid sequence equivalent to that of thebinding domain where certain residues may be deleted or replaced withother amino acids without impairing the peptide's ability to bind to anintestinal guanylate cyclase receptor and stimulate fluid andelectrolyte transport.

Addition of carriers (e.g., phosphate-buffered saline or PBS) and othercomponents to the composition of the present invention is well withinthe level of skill in this art. In addition to the compound, suchcompositions may contain pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and otheringredients known to facilitate administration and/or enhance uptake.Other formulations, such as microspheres, nanoparticles, liposomes, andimmunologically-based systems may also be used in accordance with thepresent invention. Other examples include formulations with polymers(e.g., 20% w/v polyethylene glycol) or cellulose, or entericformulations.

The present invention is based upon several concepts. The first is thatthere is a cGMP-dependent mechanism which regulates the balance betweencellular proliferation and apoptosis and that a reduction in cGMPlevels, due to a deficiency of uroguanylin/guanylin and/or due to theactivation of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterases, is an early and criticalstep in neoplastic transformation. A second concept is that the releaseof arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids, which leads to theactivation of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) and possibly 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) during the process ofinflammation, is down-regulated by a cGMP-dependent mechanism, leadingto reduced levels of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, and thatincreasing intracellular levels of cGMP may therefore produce ananti-inflammatory response. In addition, a cGMP-dependent mechanism, isthought to be involved in the control of proinflammatory processes.Therefore, elevating intracellular levels of cGMP may be used as a meansof treating and controlling gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatorydisorders, lung disorders, cancer, cardiac disorders, eye disorders,oral disorders, blood disorders, liver disorders, skin disorders,prostate disorders, endocrine disorders, increasing gastrointestinalmotility and obesity. Gastrointestinal disorders include for example,irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC),non-ulcer dyspepsia, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, functionaldyspepsia, colonic pseudo-obstruction, duodenogastric reflux,gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)ileus (e.g., post-operativeileus), gastroparesis, heartburn (high acidity in the GI tract),constipation (e.g., constipation associated with use of medications suchas opioids, osteoarthritis drugs, osteoporosis drugs; post surgicalconstipation, constipation associated with neuropathic disorders.Inflammatory disorders include tissue and organ inflammation such askidney inflammation (e.g., nephritis), gastrointestinal systeminflammation (e.g., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis); pancreaticinflammation (e.g., pancreatis), lung inflammation (e.g., bronchitis orasthma) or skin inflammation (e.g., psoriasis, eczema). Lung Disordersinclude for example COPD and fibrosis. Cancer includes tissue and organcarcinogenesis including metatases such as for example gastrointestinalcancer, (e.g., gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancercolorectal cancer, intestinal cancer, anal cancer, liver cancer,gallbladder cancer, or colon cancer; lung cancer; thyroid cancer; skincancer (e.g., melanoma); oral cancer; urinary tract cancer (e.g. bladdercancer or kidney cancer); blood cancer (e.g. myeloma or leukemia) orprostate cancer. Cardiac disorders include for example, congestive heartfailure, trachea cardia hypertension, high cholesterol, or hightryglycerides. Liver disorders include for example cirrhosis andfibrosis. Eye disorders include for example increased intra-ocularpressure, glaucoma, dry eyes retinal degeneration, disorders of tearglands or eye inflammation. Skin disorders include for example xerosis.Oral disorders include for example dry mouth (xerostomia), Sjögren'ssyndrome, gum diseases (e.g., periodontal disease), or salivary glandduct blockage or malfunction. Prostate disorders include for exampleBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Endocrine disorders include forexample diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and cysticfibrosis.

Without intending to be bound by any theory, it is envisioned that iontransport across the plasma membrane may prove to be an importantregulator of the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis thatwill be affected by agents altering cGMP concentrations. Uroguanylin hasbeen shown to stimulate K+ efflux, Ca++ influx and water transport inthe gastrointestinal tract (3). Moreover, atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP), a peptide that also binds to a specific guanylate cyclasereceptor, has also been shown to induce apoptosis in rat mesangialcells, and to induce apoptosis in cardiac myocytes by a cGMP mechanism(21-24).

Binding of the present agonists to a guanylate cyclase receptorstimulates production of cGMP. This ligand-receptor interaction, viaactivation of a cascade of cGMP-dependent protein kinases and CFTR,induces apoptosis in target cells. Therefore, administration of thenovel peptides defined by SEQ ID NO:2-8, as shown in Table I are usefulin eliminating or, at least retarding, the onset of gastrointestinaldisorders, inflammatory disorders, lung disorders, cancer, cardiacdisorders, eye disorders, oral disorders, blood disorders, liverdisorders, skin disorders, prostate disorders, endocrine disorders,increasing gastrointestinal motility and obesity. Gastrointestinaldisorders include for example, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), non-ulcer dyspepsia, chronic intestinalpseudo-obstruction, functional dyspepsia, colonic pseudo-obstruction,duodenogastric reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ileusinflammation (e.g., post-operative ileus), gastroparesis, heartburn(high acidity in the GI tract), constipation (e.g., constipationassociated with use of medications such as opioids, osteoarthritisdrugs, osteoporosis drugs; post surgical constipation, constipationassociated with neuropathic disorders. Inflammatory disorders includetissue and organ inflammation such as kidney inflammation (e.g.,nephritis), gastrointestinal system inflammation (e.g., Crohn's diseaseand ulcerative colitis); pancreatic inflammation (e.g., pancreatis),lung inflammation (e.g., bronchitis or asthma) or skin inflammation(e.g., psoriasis, eczema). Lung Disorders include for example chronicobstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and fibrosis. Cancer includestissue and organ carcinogenesis including metatases such as for examplegastrointestinal cancer, (e.g., gastric cancer, esophageal cancer,pancreatic cancer colorectal cancer, intestinal cancer, anal cancer,liver cancer, gallbladder cancer, or colon cancer; lung cancer; thyroidcancer; skin cancer (e.g., melanoma); oral cancer; urinary tract cancer(e.g. bladder cancer or kidney cancer); blood cancer (e.g. myeloma orleukemia) or prostate cancer. Cardiac disorders include for example,congestive heart failure, trachea cardia hypertension, high cholesterol,or high tryglycerides. Liver disorders include for example cirrhosis andfibrosis. Eye disorders include for example increased intra-ocularpressure, glaucoma, dry eyes retinal degeneration, disorders of tearglands or eye inflammation. Skin disorders include for example xerosis.Oral disorders include for example dry mouth (xerostomia), Sjögren'ssyndrome, gum diseases (e.g., periodontal disease), or salivary glandduct blockage or malfunction. Prostate disorders include for exampleBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Endocrine disorders include forexample diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and cysticfibrosis.

Uroguanylin is a circulating peptide hormone with natriuretic activityand has been found to stimulate fluid and electrolyte transport in amanner similar to another family of heat stable enterotoxins (STpeptides) secreted by pathogenic strains of E. coli and other entericbacteria that activate guanylate cyclase receptor and cause secretorydiarrhea. Unlike bacterial ST peptides, the binding of uroguanylin toguanylate cyclase receptor is dependent on the physiological pH of thegut. Therefore, uroguanylin is expected to regulate fluid andelectrolyte transport in a pH dependent manner and without causingsevere diarrhea.

GCRA Peptides

In one aspect, the invention provides a GCRA peptide. The GCRA peptidesare analogues uroguanylin and bacterial ST peptide. No particular lengthis implied by the term “peptide”. In some embodiments, the GCRA peptideis less than 25 amino acids in length, e.g., less than or equal to 20,15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, or 5 amino acid in length.

The GCRA peptides can be polymers of L-amino acids, D-amino acids, or acombination of both. For example, in various embodiments, the peptidesare D retro-inverso peptides. The term “retro-inverso isomer” refers toan isomer of a linear peptide in which the direction of the sequence isreversed and the chirality of each amino acid residue is inverted. See,e.g., Jameson et al., Nature, 368, 744-746 (1994); Brady et al., Nature,368, 692-693 (1994). The net result of combining D-enantiomers andreverse synthesis is that the positions of carbonyl and amino groups ineach amide bond are exchanged, while the position of the side-chaingroups at each alpha carbon is preserved. Unless specifically statedotherwise, it is presumed that any given L-amino acid sequence of theinvention may be made into an D retro-inverso peptide by synthesizing areverse of the sequence for the corresponding native L-amino acidsequence. For example a GCRA peptide includes the sequence of SEQ ID NO:SEQ ID NO:2-8.

By inducing cGMP production is meant that the GCRA peptide induces theproduction of intracellular cGMP. Intracellular cGMP is measured bymethods known in the art. For example, the GCRA peptide of the inventionstimulate 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 90% or more intracellularcGMP compared to naturally occurring GC-C angonists. Optionally, theGCRA peptides of the invention of the invention stimulate 5%, 10%, 20%,30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 90% or more intracellular cGMP compared SP-304 (SEQID NO:1). In further embodiments, the GCRA peptide stimulates apoptosis,e.g., programmed cell death or activate the cystic fibrosistransmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). In some embodiments the GCRApeptides described herein are more stable than naturally occurring GC-Cagonists and/or SP-304 (SEQ ID NO:1). By more stable it is meant thatthe peptide degrade less and/or more slowly in simulated gastric fluidand/or simulated intestinal fluid compared to naturally occurring GC-Cangonists and/or SP-304. For example, the GCRA peptide of the inventiondegrade 2%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 90% or lesscompared to naturally occurring GC-C angonists and/or SP-304.

As used herein, the term “AMIDE” is meant to denote that the terminalcarboxylic acid is replaced with an amide group, i.e., the terminal COOHis replaced with CONH₂.

In certain embodiments, one or more amino acids of the GCRA peptides canbe replaced by a non-naturally occurring amino acid or a naturally ornon-naturally occurring amino acid analog. There are many amino acidsbeyond the standard 20 (Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, H is,Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, and VaI). Some arenaturally-occurring others are not. (See, for example, Hunt, TheNon-Protein Amino Acids: In Chemistry and Biochemistry of the AminoAcids, Barrett, Chapman and Hall, 1985). For example, an aromatic aminoacid can be replaced by 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine,3-iodo-L-tyrosine, triiodothyronine, L-thyroxine, phenylglycine (Phg) ornor-tyrosine (norTyr). Phg and norTyr and other amino acids includingPhe and Tyr can be substituted by, e.g., a halogen, —CH3, —OH, —CH2NH3,—C(O)H, —CH2CH3, —CN, —CH2CH2CH3, —SH, or another group. Any amino acidcan be substituted by the D-form of the amino acid.

With regard to non-naturally occurring amino acids or naturally andnon-naturally occurring amino acid analogs, a number of substitutions inthe polypeptide and agonists described herein are possible alone or incombination.

For example, glutamine residues can be substituted withgamma-Hydroxy-Glu or gamma-Carboxy-Glu. Tyrosine residues can besubstituted with an alpha substituted amino acid such asL-alpha-methylphenylalanine or by analogues such as: 3-Amino-Tyr;Tyr(CH3); Tyr(PO3(CH3)2); Tyr(SO3H); beta-Cyclohexyl-Ala;beta-(1-Cyclopentenyl)-Ala; beta-Cyclopentyl-Ala; beta-Cyclopropyl-Ala;beta-Quinolyl-Ala; beta-(2-Thiazolyl)-Ala; beta-(Triazole-1-yl)-Ala;beta-(2-Pyridyl)-Ala; beta-(3-Pyridyl)-Ala; Amino-Phe; Fluoro-Phe;Cyclohexyl-Gly; tBu-Gly; beta-(3-benzothienyl)-Ala;beta-(2-thienyl)-Ala; 5-Methyl-Trp; and A-Methyl-Trp. Proline residuescan be substituted with homopro (L-pipecolic acid); hydroxy-Pro;3,4-Dehydro-Pro; 4-fluoro-Pro; or alpha-methyl-Pro or anN(alpha)-C(alpha) cyclized amino acid analogues with the structure: n=0,1, 2, 3 Alanine residues can be substituted with alpha-substituted orN-methylated amino acid such as alpha-amino isobutyric acid (aib),L/D-alpha-ethylalanine (L/D-isovaline), L/D-methylvaline, orL/D-alpha-methylleucine or a non-natural amino acid such asbeta-fluoro-Ala. Alanine can also be substituted with: n=0, 1, 2, 3Glycine residues can be substituted with alpha-amino isobutyric acid(aib) or L/D-alpha-ethylalanine (L/D-isovaline).

Further examples of unnatural amino acids include: an unnatural analogof tyrosine; an unnatural analogue of glutamine; an unnatural analogueof phenylalanine; an unnatural analogue of serine; an unnatural analogueof threonine; an alkyl, aryl, acyl, azido, cyano, halo, hydrazine,hydrazide, hydroxyl, alkenyl, alkynl, ether, thiol, sulfonyl, seleno,ester, thioacid, borate, boronate, phospho, phosphono, phosphine,heterocyclic, enone, imine, aldehyde, hydroxylamine, keto, or aminosubstituted amino acid, or any combination thereof; an amino acid with aphotoactivatable cross-linker; a spin-labeled amino acid; a fluorescentamino acid; an amino acid with a novel functional group; an amino acidthat covalently or noncovalently interacts with another molecule; ametal binding amino acid; an amino acid that is amidated at a site thatis not naturally amidated, a metal-containing amino acid; a radioactiveamino acid; a photocaged and/or photoisomerizable amino acid; a biotinor biotin-analogue containing amino acid; a glycosylated or carbohydratemodified amino acid; a keto containing amino acid; amino acidscomprising polyethylene glycol or polyether; a heavy atom substitutedamino acid (e.g., an amino acid containing deuterium, tritium, ¹³C, ¹⁵N,or ¹⁸O); a chemically cleavable or photocleavable amino acid; an aminoacid with an elongated side chain; an amino acid containing a toxicgroup; a sugar substituted amino acid, e.g., a sugar substituted serineor the like; a carbon-linked sugar-containing amino acid; a redox-activeamino acid; an α-hydroxy containing acid; an amino thio acid containingamino acid; an α, α disubstituted amino acid; a β-amino acid; a cyclicamino acid other than proline; an O-methyl-L-tyrosine; anL-3-(2-naphthyl)alanine; a 3-methyl-phenylalanine; aρ-acetyl-L-phenylalanine; an O-4-allyl-L-tyrosine; a4-propyl-L-tyrosine; a tri-O-acetyl-GlcNAc β-serine; an L-Dopa; afluorinated phenylalanine; an isopropyl-L-phenylalanine; ap-azido-L-phenylalanine; a p-acyl-L-phenylalanine; ap-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine; an L-phosphoserine; a phosphonoserine; aphosphonotyrosine; a p-iodo-phenylalanine; a 4-fluorophenylglycine; ap-bromophenylalanine; a p-amino-L-phenylalanine; anisopropyl-L-phenylalanine; L-3-(2-naphthyl)alanine;D-3-(2-naphthyl)alanine (dNal); an amino-, isopropyl-, orO-allyl-containing phenylalanine analogue; a dopa, 0-methyl-L-tyrosine;a glycosylated amino acid; a p-(propargyloxy)phenylalanine;dimethyl-Lysine; hydroxy-proline; mercaptopropionic acid; methyl-lysine;3-nitro-tyrosine; norleucine; pyro-glutamic acid; Z (Carbobenzoxyl);ε-Acetyl-Lysine; β-alanine; aminobenzoyl derivative; aminobutyric acid(Abu); citrulline; aminohexanoic acid; aminoisobutyric acid (AIB);cyclohexylalanine; d-cyclohexylalanine; hydroxyproline; nitro-arginine;nitro-phenylalanine; nitro-tyrosine; norvaline; octahydroindolecarboxylate; ornithine (Orn); penicillamine (PEN);tetrahydroisoquinoline; acetamidomethyl protected amino acids andpegylated amino acids. Further examples of unnatural amino acids andamino acid analogs can be found in U.S. 20030108885, U.S. 20030082575,US20060019347 (paragraphs 410-418) and the references cited therein. Thepolypeptides of the invention can include further modificationsincluding those described in US20060019347, paragraph 589. ExemplaryGCRA peptides which include a non-naturally occurring amino acid includefor example SP-368 and SP-369.

In some embodiments, an amino acid can be replaced by anaturally-occurring, non-essential amino acid, e.g., taurine.

Alternatively, the GCRA peptides are cyclic peptides. GCRA cyclicpeptide are prepared by methods known in the art. For example,macrocyclization is often accomplished by forming an amide bond betweenthe peptide N- and C-termini, between a side chain and the N- orC-terminus [e.g., with K₃Fe(CN)₆ at pH 8.5] (Samson et al.,Endocrinology 137: 5182-5185 (1996)), or between two amino acid sidechains, such as cysteine. See, e.g., DeGrado, Adv Protein Chem, 39:51-124 (1988). In various aspects the GCRA peptides are [4,12; 7,15]bicycles.

In some GCRA peptides one or both members of one or both pairs of Cysresidues which normally form a disulfide bond can be replaced byhomocysteine, penicillamine, 3-mercaptoproline (Kolodziej et al. 1996Int J Pept Protein Res 48:274); β, β dimethylcysteine (Hunt et al. 1993Int J Pept Protein Res 42:249) or diaminopropionic acid (Smith et al.1978 J Med Chem 2 1:117) to form alternative internal cross-links at thepositions of the normal disulfide bonds.

In addition, one or more disulfide bonds can be replaced by alternativecovalent cross-links, e.g., an amide linkage (—CH2CH(O)NHCH2- or—CH2NHCH(O)CH2-), an ester linkage, a thioester linkage, a lactambridge, a carbamoyl linkage, a urea linkage, a thiourea linkage, aphosphonate ester linkage, an alkyl linkage (—CH2CH2CH2CH2-), an alkenyllinkage(—CH 2CH═CHCH2-), an ether linkage (—CH2CH2OCH2- or—CH₂OCH2CH2-), a thioether linkage (—CH2CH2SCH2- or —CH2SCH2CH2-), anamine linkage (—CH2CH2NHCH2- or —CH2NHCH 2CH2-) or a thioamide linkage(—CH2CH(S)HNHCH2- or —CH2NHCH(S)CH2-). For example, Ledu et al. (ProcNat'l Acad. Sci. 100:11263-78, 2003) describe methods for preparinglactam and amide cross-links. Exemplary GCRA peptides which include alactam bridge include for example SP-370.

The GCRA peptides can have one or more conventional polypeptide bondsreplaced by an alternative bond. Such replacements can increase thestability of the polypeptide. For example, replacement of thepolypeptide bond between a residue amino terminal to an aromatic residue(e.g. Tyr, Phe, Trp) with an alternative bond can reduce cleavage bycarboxy peptidases and may increase half-life in the digestive tract.Bonds that can replace polypeptide bonds include: a retro-inverso bond(C(O)—NH instead of NH—C(O); a reduced amide bond (NH—CH2); athiomethylene bond (S—CH2 or CH2-S); an oxomethylene bond (O—CH2 orCH2-O); an ethylene bond (CH2-CH2); a thioamide bond (C(S)—NH); atrans-olefine bond (CH═CH); a fluoro substituted trans-olefine bond(CF═CH); a ketomethylene bond (C(O)—CHR or CHR—C(O) wherein R is H orCH3; and a fluoro-ketomethylene bond (C(O)—CFR or CFR—C(O) wherein R isH or F or CH3.

The GCRA peptides can be modified using standard modifications.Modifications may occur at the amino (N—), carboxy (C—) terminus,internally or a combination of any of the preceeding. In one aspectdescribed herein, there may be more than one type of modification on thepolypeptide. Modifications include but are not limited to: acetylation,amidation, biotinylation, cinnamoylation, farnesylation, formylation,myristoylation, palmitoylation, phosphorylation (Ser, Tyr or Thr),stearoylation, succinylation, sulfurylation and cyclisation (viadisulfide bridges or amide cyclisation), and modification by Cys3 orCys5. The GCRA peptides described herein may also be modified by2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP), DNP-lysine, modification by7-Amino-4-methyl-coumarin (AMC), flourescein, NBD(7-Nitrobenz-2-Oxa-1,3-Diazole), p-nitro-anilide, rhodamine B, EDANS(5-((2-aminoethyl)amino)naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid), dabcyl, dabsyl,dansyl, texas red, FMOC, and Tamra (Tetramethylrhodamine). The GCRApeptides described herein may also be conjugated to, for example,polyethylene glycol (PEG); alkyl groups (e.g., C1-C20 straight orbranched alkyl groups); fatty acid radicals; combinations of PEG, alkylgroups and fatty acid radicals (See, U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,633; Soltero etal., 2001 Innovations in Pharmaceutical Technology 106-110); BSA and KLH(Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin). The addition of PEG and other polymerswhich can be used to modify polypeptides of the invention is describedin US20060 19347 section IX.

Also included in the invention are peptides that biologically orfunctional equivalent to the peptides described herein. The term“biologically equivalent” or functional equivalent” is intended to meanthat the compositions of the present invention are capable ofdemonstrating some or all of the cGMP production modulatory effects.

GCRA peptides can also include derivatives of GCRA peptides which areintended to include hybrid and modified forms of GCRA peptides in whichcertain amino acids have been deleted or replaced and modifications suchas where one or more amino acids have been changed to a modified aminoacid or unusual amino acid and modifications such as glycosylation solong the modified form retains the biological activity of GCRA peptides.By retaining the biological activity, it is meant that cGMP and orapoptosis is induced by the GCRA peptide, although not necessarily atthe same level of potency as that of a naturally-occurring GCRA peptideidentified.

Preferred variants are those that have conservative amino acidsubstitutions made at one or more predicted non-essential amino acidresidues. A “conservative amino acid substitution” is one in which theamino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue having asimilar side chain. Families of amino acid residues having similar sidechains have been defined in the art. These families include amino acidswith basic side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine), acidic sidechains (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid), uncharged polar side chains(e.g., glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine,cysteine), nonpolar side chains (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine,isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan),beta-branched side chains (e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine) andaromatic side chains (e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan,histidine). Thus, a predicted nonessential amino acid residue in a GCRApolypeptide is replaced with another amino acid residue from the sameside chain family. Alternatively, in another embodiment, mutations canbe introduced randomly along all or part of a GCRA coding sequence, suchas by saturation mutagenesis, and the resultant mutants can be screenedto identify mutants that retain activity.

Also included within the meaning of substantially homologous is any GCRApeptide which may be isolated by virtue of cross-reactivity withantibodies to the GCRA peptide.

Preparation of GCRA Peptides

GCRA peptides are easily prepared using modern cloning techniques, ormay be synthesized by solid state methods or by site-directedmutagenesis. A GCRA peptide may include dominant negative forms of apolypeptide.

Chemical synthesis may generally be performed using standard solutionphase or solid phase peptide synthesis techniques, in which a peptidelinkage occurs through the direct condensation of the amino group of oneamino acid with the carboxy group of the other amino acid with theelimination of a water molecule. Peptide bond synthesis by directcondensation, as formulated above, requires suppression of the reactivecharacter of the amino group of the first and of the carboxyl group ofthe second amino acid. The masking substituents must permit their readyremoval, without inducing breakdown of the labile peptide molecule.

In solution phase synthesis, a wide variety of coupling methods andprotecting groups may be used (See, Gross and Meienhofer, eds., “ThePeptides: Analysis, Synthesis, Biology,” Vol. 1-4 (Academic Press,1979); Bodansky and Bodansky, “The Practice of Peptide Synthesis,” 2ded. (Springer Verlag, 1994)). In addition, intermediate purification andlinear scale up are possible. Those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that solution synthesis requires consideration of main chainand side chain protecting groups and activation method. In addition,careful segment selection is necessary to minimize racemization duringsegment condensation. Solubility considerations are also a factor. Solidphase peptide synthesis uses an insoluble polymer for support duringorganic synthesis. The polymer-supported peptide chain permits the useof simple washing and filtration steps instead of laboriouspurifications at intermediate steps. Solid-phase peptide synthesis maygenerally be performed according to the method of Merrifield et al., J.Am. Chem. Soc., 1963, 85:2149, which involves assembling a linearpeptide chain on a resin support using protected amino acids. Solidphase peptide synthesis typically utilizes either the Boc or Fmocstrategy, which are well known in the art.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that, in solid phasesynthesis, deprotection and coupling reactions must go to completion andthe side-chain blocking groups must be stable throughout the synthesis.In addition, solid phase synthesis is generally most suitable whenpeptides are to be made on a small scale.

Acetylation of the N-terminal can be accomplished by reacting the finalpeptide with acetic anhydride before cleavage from the resin.C-amidation is accomplished using an appropriate resin such asmethylbenzhydrylamine resin using the Boc technology.

Alternatively the GCRA peptides are produced by modern cloningtechniques. For example, the GCRA peptides are produced either inbacteria including, without limitation, E. coli, or in other existingsystems for polypeptide or protein production (e.g., Bacillus subtilis,baculovirus expression systems using Drosophila Sf9 cells, yeast orfilamentous fungal expression systems, mammalian cell expressionsystems), or they can be chemically synthesized. If the GCRA peptide orvariant peptide is to be produced in bacteria, e.g., E. coli, thenucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide may also encode a leadersequence that permits the secretion of the mature polypeptide from thecell. Thus, the sequence encoding the polypeptide can include the presequence and the pro sequence of, for example, a naturally-occurringbacterial ST polypeptide. The secreted, mature polypeptide can bepurified from the culture medium.

The sequence encoding a GCRA peptide described herein can be insertedinto a vector capable of delivering and maintaining the nucleic acidmolecule in a bacterial cell. The DNA molecule may be inserted into anautonomously replicating vector (suitable vectors include, for example,pGEM3Z and pcDNA3, and derivatives thereof). The vector nucleic acid maybe a bacterial or bacteriophage DNA such as bacteriophage lambda or M13and derivatives thereof. Construction of a vector containing a nucleicacid described herein can be followed by transformation of a host cellsuch as a bacterium. Suitable bacterial hosts include but are notlimited to, E. coli, B subtilis, Pseudomonas, Salmonella. The geneticconstruct also includes, in addition to the encoding nucleic acidmolecule, elements that allow expression, such as a promoter andregulatory sequences. The expression vectors may contain transcriptionalcontrol sequences that control transcriptional initiation, such aspromoter, enhancer, operator, and repressor sequences.

A variety of transcriptional control sequences are well known to thosein the art. The expression vector can also include a translationregulatory sequence (e.g., an untranslated 5′ sequence, an untranslated3′ sequence, or an internal ribosome entry site). The vector can becapable of autonomous replication or it can integrate into host DNA toensure stability during polypeptide production.

The protein coding sequence that includes a GCRA peptide describedherein can also be fused to a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptideaffinity tag, e.g., glutathione S-transferase (GST), maltose E bindingprotein, protein A, FLAG tag, hexa-histidine, myc tag or the influenzaHA tag, in order to facilitate purification. The affinity tag orreporter fusion joins the reading frame of the polypeptide of interestto the reading frame of the gene encoding the affinity tag such that atranslational fusion is generated. Expression of the fusion gene resultsin translation of a single polypeptide that includes both thepolypeptide of interest and the affinity tag. In some instances whereaffinity tags are utilized, DNA sequence encoding a protease recognitionsite will be fused between the reading frames for the affinity tag andthe polypeptide of interest.

Genetic constructs and methods suitable for production of immature andmature forms of the GCRA peptides and variants described herein inprotein expression systems other than bacteria, and well known to thoseskilled in the art, can also be used to produce polypeptides in abiological system.

The peptides disclosed herein may be modified by attachment of a secondmolecule that confers a desired property upon the peptide, such asincreased half-life in the body, for example, pegylation. Suchmodifications also fall within the scope of the term “variant” as usedherein.

Therapeutic Methods

The present invention provides for both prophylactic and therapeuticmethods of treating a subject at risk of (or susceptible to) a disorderor having a disorder associated that is mediated by guanylate cyclasereceptor agonists. Disorders mediated by the guanylate cyclase receptoragonists include gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory disorders,lung disorders, cancer, cardiac disorders, eye disorders, oraldisorders, blood disorders, liver disorders, skin disorders, prostatedisorders, endocrine disorders, increasing gastrointestinal motility andobesity. Gastrointestinal disorders include for example, irritable bowelsyndrome (IBS), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), non-ulcer dyspepsia,chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, functional dyspepsia, colonicpseudo-obstruction, duodenogastric reflux, gastroesophageal refluxdisease (GERD)ileus (e.g., post-operative ileus), gastroparesis,heartburn (high acidity in the GI tract), constipation (e.g.,constipation associated with use of medications such as opioids,osteoarthritis drugs, osteoporosis drugs; post surgical constipation,constipation associated with neuropathic disorders. Inflammatorydisorders include tissue and organ inflammation such as kidneyinflammation (e.g., nephritis), gastrointestinal system inflammation(e.g., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis); pancreatic inflammation(e.g., pancreatis), lung inflammation (e.g., bronchitis or asthma) orskin inflammation (e.g., psoriasis, eczema). Lung Disorders include forexample chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and fibrosis.Cancer includes tissue and organ carcinogenesis including metatases suchas for example gastrointestinal cancer, (e.g., gastric cancer,esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer colorectal cancer, intestinalcancer, anal cancer, liver cancer, gallbladder cancer, or colon cancer;lung cancer; thyroid cancer; skin cancer (e.g., melanoma); oral cancer;urinary tract cancer (e.g. bladder cancer or kidney cancer); bloodcancer (e.g. myeloma or leukemia) or prostate cancer. Cardiac disordersinclude for example, congestive heart failure, trachea cardiahypertension, high cholesterol, or high tryglycerides. Liver disordersinclude for example cirrhosis and fibrosis. Eye disorders include forexample increased intra-ocular pressure, glaucoma, dry eyes retinaldegeneration, disorders of tear glands or eye inflammation. Skindisorders include for example xerosis. Oral disorders include forexample dry mouth (xerostomia), Sjögren's syndrome, gum diseases (e.g.,periodontal disease), or salivary gland duct blockage or malfunction.Prostate disorders include for example benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH). Endocrine disorders include for example diabetes mellitus,hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and cystic fibrosis.

The term “treatment” refers to reducing or alleviating symptoms in asubject, preventing symptoms from worsening or progressing, and/orpreventing disease in a subject who is free therefrom. For a givensubject, improvement in a symptom, its worsening, regression, orprogression may be determined by any objective or subjective measure.Efficacy of the treatment may be measured as an improvement in morbidityor mortality (e.g., lengthening of survival curve for a selectedpopulation). Thus, effective treatment would include therapy of existingdisease, control of disease by slowing or stopping its progression,prevention of disease occurrence, reduction in the number or severity ofsymptoms, or a combination thereof. The effect may be shown in acontrolled study using one or more statistically significant criteria.

Intracellular cGMP induced by exposing, e.g., contacting a tissue (e.g.,gastrointestinals tissue) or cell with GCRA agonists. GC-C receptors areexpressed throughout the GI tract starting from esophagus, duodenum,jejunum, ilium, caecum and colon. Human colon cancer cell lines (T81,CaCo-2 and HT-29) also express GC-C receptors. By inducing is meant anincrease in cGMP production compared to a tissue or cell that has notbeen in contact with GCRA peptide or variant. Tissues or cells aredirectly contacted with a GCRA peptide or variant. Alternatively, theGCRA peptide or variant is administered systemically. GCRA peptide orvariant are administered in an amount sufficient to increaseintracellular cGMP concentration. cGMP production is measured by acell-based assay known in the art (25).

Disorders are treated, prevented or alleviated by administering to asubject, e.g., a mammal such as a human in need thereof, atherapeutically effective dose of a GCRA peptide. The GCRA peptides maybe in a pharmaceutical composition in unit dose form, together with oneor more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The term “unit doseform” refers to a single drug delivery entity, e.g., a tablet, capsule,solution or inhalation formulation. The amount of peptide present shouldbe sufficient to have a positive therapeutic effect when administered toa patient (typically, between 10 μg and 3 g). What constitutes a“positive therapeutic effect” will depend upon the particular conditionbeing treated and will include any significant improvement in acondition readily recognized by one of skill in the art.

The GCRA peptides can be administered alone or in combination with otheragents. For example the GCRA peptides can be administered in combinationwith inhibitors of cGMP dependent phosphodiesterase, such as, forexample, suldinac sulfone, zaprinast, motapizone, vardenafil orsildenifil; one or more other chemotherapeutic agents; oranti-inflammatory drugs such as, for example, steroids or non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as aspirin.

Combination therapy can be achieved by administering two or more agents,e.g., a GCRA peptide described herein and another compound, each ofwhich is formulated and administered separately, or by administering twoor more agents in a single formulation. Other combinations are alsoencompassed by combination therapy. For example, two agents can beformulated together and administered in conjunction with a separateformulation containing a third agent. While the two or more agents inthe combination therapy can be administered simultaneously, they neednot be. For example, administration of a first agent (or combination ofagents) can precede administration of a second agent (or combination ofagents) by minutes, hours, days, or weeks. Thus, the two or more agentscan be administered within minutes of each other or within 1, 2, 3, 6,9, 12, 15, 18, or 24 hours of each other or within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 12, 14 days of each other or within 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or10 weeks of each other. In some cases even longer intervals arepossible. While in many cases it is desirable that the two or moreagents used in a combination therapy be present in within the patient'sbody at the same time, this need not be so.

The GCRA peptides described herein may be combined withphosphodiesterase inhibitors, e.g., sulindae sulfone, Zaprinast,sildenafil, vardenafil or tadalafil to further enhance levels of cGMP inthe target tissues or organs.

Combination therapy can also include two or more administrations of oneor more of the agents used in the combination. For example, if agent Xand agent Y are used in a combination, one could administer themsequentially in any combination one or more times, e.g., in the orderX-Y-X, X-X-Y, Y-X-Y, Y-Y-X, X-X-Y-Y, etc.

Combination therapy can also include the administration of one of theGC-C agonist with azothioprine and/or other immunomodulating agents. Theimmunomodulating agents may include small molecule drugs and biologicssuch as Remicade, Humaira, Cimzia etc.

Combination therapy can also include the administration of two or moreagents via different routes or locations. For example, (a) one agent isadministered orally and another agents is administered intravenously or(b) one agent is administered orally and another is administeredlocally. In each case, the agents can either simultaneously orsequentially. Approximated dosages for some of the combination therapyagents described herein are found in the “BNF Recommended Dose” columnof tables on pages 11-17 of WO01/76632 (the data in the tables beingattributed to the March 2000 British National Formulary) and can also befound in other standard formularies and other drug prescribingdirectories. For some drugs, the customary prescribed dose for anindication will vary somewhat from country to country.

The GCRA peptides, alone or in combination, can be combined with anypharmaceutically acceptable carrier or medium. Thus, they can becombined with materials that do not produce an adverse, allergic orotherwise unwanted reaction when administered to a patient. The carriersor mediums used can include solvents, dispersants, coatings, absorptionpromoting agents, controlled release agents, and one or more inertexcipients (which include starches, polyols, granulating agents,microcrystalline cellulose (e.g. celphere, Celphere Beads®), diluents,lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents, and the like), etc. Ifdesired, tablet dosages of the disclosed compositions may be coated bystandard aqueous or nonaqueous techniques.

A pharmaceutical composition of the invention is formulated to becompatible with its intended route of administration. Examples of routesof administration include parenteral, e.g., intravenous, intradermal,subcutaneous, oral (e.g., inhalation), transdermal (topical),transmucosal, and rectal administration. Solutions or suspensions usedfor parenteral, intradermal, or subcutaneous application can include thefollowing components: a sterile diluent such as water for injection,saline solution, fixed oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propyleneglycol or other synthetic solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzylalcohol or methyl parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodiumbisulfite; chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid;buffers such as acetates, citrates or phosphates, and agents for theadjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose. The pH canbe adjusted with acids or bases, such as hydrochloric acid or sodiumhydroxide. The parenteral preparation can be enclosed in ampoules,disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for injectable use include sterileaqueous solutions (where water soluble) or dispersions and sterilepowders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectablesolutions or dispersion. For intravenous administration, suitablecarriers include physiological saline, bacteriostatic water, CremophorEL™ (BASF, Parsippany, N.J.) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS). In allcases, the composition must be sterile and should be fluid to the extentthat easy syringeability exists. It must be stable under the conditionsof manufacture and storage and must be preserved against thecontaminating action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Thecarrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example,water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, andliquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixturesthereof. The proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the useof a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the requiredparticle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants.Prevention of the action of microorganisms can be achieved by variousantibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens,chlorobutanol, phenol, ascorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like. In manycases, it will be preferable to include isotonic agents, for example,sugars, polyalcohols such as manitol, sorbitol, sodium chloride in thecomposition. Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can bebrought about by including in the composition an agent which delaysabsorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the activecompound (e.g., a GCRA agonist) in the required amount in an appropriatesolvent with one or a combination of ingredients enumerated above, asrequired, followed by filtered sterilization. Generally, dispersions areprepared by incorporating the active compound into a sterile vehiclethat contains a basic dispersion medium and the required otheringredients from those enumerated above. In the case of sterile powdersfor the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, methods ofpreparation are vacuum drying and freeze-drying that yields a powder ofthe active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from apreviously sterile-filtered solution thereof.

Oral compositions generally include an inert diluent or an ediblecarrier. Such as mannitol, fructooligosaccharides, polyethylene glycoland other excepients. They can be enclosed in gelatin capsules orcompressed into tablets. For the purpose of oral therapeuticadministration, the active compound can be incorporated with excipientsand used in the form of tablets, troches, or capsules. Oral compositionscan also be prepared using a fluid carrier for use as a mouthwash,wherein the compound in the fluid carrier is applied orally and swishedand expectorated or swallowed. Pharmaceutically compatible bindingagents, and/or adjuvant materials can be included as part of thecomposition. The tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like cancontain any of the following ingredients, or compounds of a similarnature: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth orgelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agentsuch as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch; a lubricant such asmagnesium stearate or Sterotes; a glidant such as colloidal silicondioxide; a sweetening agent such as sucrose or saccharin; or a flavoringagent such as peppermint, methyl salicylate, or orange flavoring.

For administration by inhalation, the compounds are delivered in theform of an aerosol spray from pressured container or dispenser whichcontains a suitable propellant, e.g., a gas such as carbon dioxide, or anebulizer.

Systemic administration can also be by transmucosal or transdermalmeans. For transmucosal or transdermal administration, penetrantsappropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation.Such penetrants are generally known in the art, and include, forexample, for transmucosal administration, detergents, bile salts, andfusidic acid derivatives. Transmucosal administration can beaccomplished through the use of nasal sprays or suppositories. Fortransdermal administration, the active compounds are formulated intoointments, salves, gels, or creams as generally known in the art.

The compounds can also be prepared in the form of suppositories (e.g.,with conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter and otherglycerides) or retention enemas for rectal delivery.

In one embodiment, the active compounds are prepared with carriers thatwill protect the compound against rapid elimination from the body, suchas a controlled release formulation, including implants andmicroencapsulated delivery systems. Biodegradable, biocompatiblepolymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides,polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid.Methods for preparation of such formulations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. The materials can also be obtained commercially fromAlza Corporation and Nova Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Liposomal suspensions(including liposomes targeted to infected cells with monoclonalantibodies to viral antigens) can also be used as pharmaceuticallyacceptable carriers. These can be prepared according to methods known tothose skilled in the art, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No.4,522,811, incorporated fully herein by reference.

It is especially advantageous to formulate oral or parenteralcompositions in dosage unit form for ease of administration anduniformity of dosage. Dosage unit form as used herein refers tophysically discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the subject tobe treated; each unit containing a predetermined quantity of activecompound calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect inassociation with the required pharmaceutical carrier. The specificationfor the dosage unit forms of the invention are dictated by and directlydependent on the unique characteristics of the active compound and theparticular therapeutic effect to be achieved.

The pharmaceutical compositions can be included in a container, pack, ordispenser together with instructions for administration.

Compositions of the present invention may also optionally include othertherapeutic ingredients, anti-caking agents, preservatives, sweeteningagents, colorants, flavors, desiccants, plasticizers, dyes, glidants,anti-adherents, anti-static agents, surfactants (wetting agents),anti-oxidants, film-coating agents, and the like. Any such optionalingredient must be compatible with the compound described herein toinsure the stability of the formulation.

The composition may contain other additives as needed, including forexample lactose, glucose, fructose, galactose, trehalose, sucrose,maltose, raffnose, maltitol, melezitose, stachyose, lactitol,palatinite, starch, xylitol, mannitol, myoinositol, and the like, andhydrates thereof, and amino acids, for example alanine, glycine andbetaine, and polypeptides and proteins, for example albumen.

Examples of excipients for use as the pharmaceutically acceptablecarriers and the pharmaceutically acceptable inert carriers and theaforementioned additional ingredients include, but are not limited tobinders, fillers, disintegrants, lubricants, anti-microbial agents, andcoating agents such as: BINDERS: corn starch, potato starch, otherstarches, gelatin, natural and synthetic gums such as acacia, xanthan,sodium alginate, alginic acid, other alginates, powdered tragacanth,guar gum, cellulose and its derivatives (e.g., ethyl cellulose,cellulose acetate, carboxymethyl cellulose calcium, sodium carboxymethylcellulose), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (e.g., povidone, crospovidone,copovidone, etc), methyl cellulose, Methocel, pre-gelatinized starch(e.g., STARCH 1500® and STARCH 1500 LM®, sold by Colorcon, Ltd.),hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose (FMCCorporation, Marcus Hook, Pa., USA), or mixtures thereof, FILLERS: talc,calcium carbonate (e.g., granules or powder), dibasic calcium phosphate,tribasic calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate (e.g., granules or powder),microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose, dextrates, kaolin,mannitol, silicic acid, sorbitol, starch, pre-gelatinized starch,dextrose, fructose, honey, lactose anhydrate, lactose monohydrate,lactose and aspartame, lactose and cellulose, lactose andmicrocrystalline cellulose, maltodextrin, maltose, mannitol,microcrystalline cellulose &amp; guar gum, molasses, sucrose, ormixtures thereof, DISINTEGRANTS: agar-agar, alginic acid, calciumcarbonate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium,crospovidone, polacrilin potassium, sodium starch glycolate, potato ortapioca starch, other starches, pre-gelatinized starch, clays, otheralgins, other celluloses, gums (like gellan), low-substitutedhydroxypropyl cellulose, or mixtures thereof, LUBRICANTS: calciumstearate, magnesium stearate, mineral oil, light mineral oil, glycerin,sorbitol, mannitol, polyethylene glycol, other glycols, stearic acid,sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium stearyl fumarate, vegetable based fattyacids lubricant, talc, hydrogenated vegetable oil (e.g., peanut oil,cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil andsoybean oil), zinc stearate, ethyl oleate, ethyl laurate, agar, syloidsilica gel (AEROSIL 200, W.R. Grace Co., Baltimore, Md. USA), acoagulated aerosol of synthetic silica (Deaussa Piano, Tex. USA), apyrogenic silicon dioxide (CAB-O-SIL, Cabot Co., Boston, Mass. USA), ormixtures thereof, ANTI-CAKING AGENTS: calcium silicate, magnesiumsilicate, silicon dioxide, colloidal silicon dioxide, talc, or mixturesthereof, ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS: benzalkonium chloride, benzethoniumchloride, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, butyl paraben, cetylpyridiniumchloride, cresol, chlorobutanol, dehydroacetic acid, ethylparaben,methylparaben, phenol, phenylethyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol,phenylmercuric acetate, phenylmercuric nitrate, potassium sorbate,propylparaben, sodium benzoate, sodium dehydroacetate, sodiumpropionate, sorbic acid, thimersol, thymo, or mixtures thereof, andCOATING AGENTS: sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose acetatephthalate, ethylcellulose, gelatin, pharmaceutical glaze, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (hypromellose), hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalate, methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol,polyvinyl acetate phthalate, shellac, sucrose, titanium dioxide,carnauba wax, microcrystalline wax, gellan gum, maltodextrin,methacrylates, microcrystalline cellulose and carrageenan or mixturesthereof.

The formulation can also include other excipients and categories thereofincluding but not limited to L-histidine, Pluronic®, Poloxamers (such asLutrol® and Poloxamer 188), ascorbic acid, glutathione, permeabilityenhancers (e.g. lipids, sodium cholate, acylcarnitine, salicylates,mixed bile salts, fatty acid micelles, chelators, fatty acid,surfactants, medium chain glycerides), protease inhibitors (e.g. soybeantrypsin inhibitor, organic acids), pH lowering agents and absorptionenhancers effective to promote bioavailability (including but notlimited to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,918 and U.S. Pat. No.5,912,014), creams and lotions (like maltodextrin and carrageenans);materials for chewable tablets (like dextrose, fructose, lactosemonohydrate, lactose and aspartame, lactose and cellulose, maltodextrin,maltose, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose and guar gum, sorbitolcrystalline); parenterals (like mannitol and povidone); plasticizers(like dibutyl sebacate, plasticizers for coatings, polyvinylacetatephthalate); powder lubricants (like glyceryl behenate); soft gelatincapsules (like sorbitol special solution); spheres for coating (likesugar spheres); spheronization agents (like glyceryl behenate andmicrocrystalline cellulose); suspending/gelling agents (likecarrageenan, gellan gum, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone,sodium starch glycolate, xanthan gum); sweeteners (like aspartame,aspartame and lactose, dextrose, fructose, honey, maltodextrin, maltose,mannitol, molasses, sorbitol crystalline, sorbitol special solution,sucrose); wet granulation agents (like calcium carbonate, lactoseanhydrous, lactose monohydrate, maltodextrin, mannitol, microcrystallinecellulose, povidone, starch), caramel, carboxymethylcellulose sodium,cherry cream flavor and cherry flavor, citric acid anhydrous, citricacid, confectioner's sugar, D&C Red No. 33, D&C Yellow #10 AluminumLake, disodium edetate, ethyl alcohol 15%, FD&C Yellow No. 6 aluminumlake, FD&C Blue #1 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C blue no. 2aluminum lake, FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 6Aluminum Lake, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Yellow No. 10, glycerolpalmitostearate, glyceryl monostearate, indigo carmine, lecithin,manitol, methyl and propyl parabens, mono ammonium glycyrrhizinate,natural and artificial orange flavor, pharmaceutical glaze, poloxamer188, Polydextrose, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, polyvidone,pregelatinized corn starch, pregelatinized starch, red iron oxide,saccharin sodium, sodium carboxymethyl ether, sodium chloride, sodiumcitrate, sodium phosphate, strawberry flavor, synthetic black ironoxide, synthetic red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and white wax.

Solid oral dosage forms may optionally be treated with coating systems(e.g. Opadry® fx film coating system, for example Opadry® blue(OY-LS-20921), Opadry® white (YS-2-7063), Opadry® white (YS-1-7040), andblack ink (S-1-8 106).

The agents either in their free form or as a salt can be combined with apolymer such as polylactic-glycoloic acid (PLGA),poly-(I)-lactic-glycolic-tartaric acid (P(I)LGT) (WO 01/12233),polyglycolic acid (U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919), polylactic acid (U.S. Pat.No. 4,767,628), poly(ε-caprolactone) and poly(alkylene oxide) (U.S.20030068384) to create a sustained release formulation. Suchformulations can be used to implants that release a polypeptide oranother agent over a period of a few days, a few weeks or several monthsdepending on the polymer, the particle size of the polymer, and the sizeof the implant (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,422). Other sustainedrelease formulations and polymers for use in are described in EP 0 467389 A2, WO 93/24150, U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,052, WO 97/40085, WO 03/075887,WO 01/01964A2, U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,356, WO 94/155587, WO 02/074247A2, WO98/25642, U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,895, U.S. Pat. No. 6,180,608, U.S.20030171296. U.S. 20020176841, U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,659, U.S. Pat. No.5,893,985, U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,122, U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,741, U.S. Pat.No. 5,192,741, U.S. Pat. No. 4,668,506, U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,244, U.S.Pat. No. 5,445,832 U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,279, U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,945, WO02/058672, WO 9726015, WO 97/04744, and US200200 19446. In suchsustained release formulations microparticles (Delie and Blanco-Prieto2005 Molecule 10:65-80) of polypeptide are combined with microparticlesof polymer. One or more sustained release implants can be placed in thelarge intestine, the small intestine or both. U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,011and WO 94/06452 describe a sustained release formulation providingeither polyethylene glycols (i.e. PEG 300 and PEG 400) or triacetin. WO03/053401 describes a formulation which may both enhance bioavailabilityand provide controlled release of the agent within the GI tract.Additional controlled release formulations are described in WO 02/38129,EP 326151, U.S. Pat. No. 5,236,704, WO 02/30398, WO 98/13029; U.S.20030064105, U.S. 20030138488A1, U.S. 20030216307A1, U.S. Pat. No.6,667,060, WO 01/49249, WO 01/49311, WO 01/49249, WO 01/49311, and U.S.Pat. No. 5,877,224 materials which may include those described inWO04041195 (including the seal and enteric coating described therein)and pH-sensitive coatings that achieve delivery in the colon includingthose described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,910,021 and WO9001329. U.S. Pat. No.4,910,021 describes using a pH-sensitive material to coat a capsule.WO9001329 describes using pH-sensitive coatings on beads containingacid, where the acid in the bead core prolongs dissolution of thepH-sensitive coating. U.S. Pat. No. 5,175,003 discloses a dual mechanismpolymer mixture composed of pH-sensitive enteric materials andfilm-forming plasticizers capable of conferring permeability to theenteric material, for use in drug-delivery systems; a matrix pelletcomposed of a dual mechanism polymer mixture permeated with a drug andsometimes covering a pharmaceutically neutral nucleus; a membrane-coatedpellet comprising a matrix pellet coated with a dual mechanism polymermixture envelope of the same or different composition; and apharmaceutical dosage form containing matrix pellets. The matrix pelletreleases acid-soluble drugs by diffusion in acid pH and bydisintegration at pH levels of nominally about 5.0 or higher.

The GCRA peptides described herein may be formulated in the pH triggeredtargeted control release systems described in WO04052339. The agentsdescribed herein may be formulated according to the methodologydescribed in any of WO03105812 (extruded hyrdratable polymers);WO0243767 (enzyme cleavable membrane translocators); WO03007913 andWO03086297 (mucoadhesive systems); WO02072075 (bilayer laminatedformulation comprising pH lowering agent and absorption enhancer);WO04064769 (amidated polypeptides); WO05063156 (solid lipid suspensionwith pseudotropic and/or thixotropic properties upon melting);WO03035029 and WO03035041 (erodible, gastric retentive dosage forms);U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,790 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,972,389 (sustained releasedosage forms); WO041 1271 1 (oral extended release compositions);WO05027878, WO02072033, and WO02072034 (delayed release compositionswith natural or synthetic gum); WO05030182 (controlled releaseformulations with an ascending rate of release); WO05048998(microencapsulation system); U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,314 (biopolymer); U.S.Pat. No. 5,108,758 (glassy amylose matrix delivery); U.S. Pat. No.5,840,860 (modified starch based delivery). JP10324642 (delivery systemcomprising chitosan and gastric resistant material such as wheat gliadinor zein); U.S. Pat. No. 5,866,619 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,629(saccharide containing polymer); U.S. Pat. No. 6,531,152 (describes adrug delivery system containing a water soluble core (Ca pectinate orother water-insoluble polymers) and outer coat which bursts (e.g.hydrophobic polymer-Eudragrit)); U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,464; U.S. Pat. No.6,403,130 (coating with polymer containing casein and high methoxypectin; WO0174 175 (Maillard reaction product); WO05063206 (solubilityincreasing formulation); WO040 19872 (transferring fusion proteins).

The GCRA peptides described herein may be formulated usinggastrointestinal retention system technology (GIRES; MerrionPharmaceuticals). GIRES comprises a controlled-release dosage forminside an inflatable pouch, which is placed in a drug capsule for oraladministration. Upon dissolution of the capsule, a gas-generating systeminflates the pouch in the stomach where it is retained for 16-24 hours,all the time releasing agents described herein.

The GCRA peptides described herein can be formulated in an osmoticdevice including the ones disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,503,030, U.S.Pat. No. 5,609,590 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,502. U.S. Pat. No. 4,503,030discloses an osmotic device for dispensing a drug to certain pH regionsof the gastrointestinal tract. More particularly, the invention relatesto an osmotic device comprising a wall formed of a semi-permeable pHsensitive composition that surrounds a compartment containing a drug,with a passageway through the wall connecting the exterior of the devicewith the compartment. The device delivers the drug at a controlled ratein the region of the gastrointestinal tract having a pH of less than3.5, and the device self-destructs and releases all its drug in theregion of the gastrointestinal tract having a pH greater than 3.5,thereby providing total availability for drug absorption. U.S. Pat. Nos.5,609,590 and 5,358,502 disclose an osmotic bursting device fordispensing a beneficial agent to an aqueous environment. The devicecomprises a beneficial agent and osmagent surrounded at least in part bya semi-permeable membrane. The beneficial agent may also function as theosmagent. The semi-permeable membrane is permeable to water andsubstantially impermeable to the beneficial agent and osmagent. Atrigger means is attached to the semi-permeable membrane (e.g., joinstwo capsule halves). The trigger means is activated by a pH of from 3 to9 and triggers the eventual, but sudden, delivery of the beneficialagent. These devices enable the pH-triggered release of the beneficialagent core as a bolus by osmotic bursting.

Exemplary Agents for Combination Therapy

Analgesic Agents

The GCRA peptides described herein can be used in combination therapywith an analgesic agent, e.g., an analgesic compound or an analgesicpolypeptide. These polypeptides and compounds can be administered withthe GCRA peptides described herein (simultaneously or sequentially).They can also be optionally covalently linked or attached to an agentdescribed herein to create therapeutic conjugates. Among the usefulanalgesic agents are: Ca channel blockers, 5HT receptor antagonists (forexample 5HT3, 5HT4 and 5HT1 receptor antagonists), opioid receptoragonists (loperamide, fedotozine, and fentanyl), NK1 receptorantagonists, CCK receptor agonists (e.g., loxiglumide), NK1 receptorantagonists, NK3 receptor antagonists, norepinephrine-serotonin reuptakeinhibitors (NSRI), vanilloid and cannabanoid receptor agonists, andsialorphin. Analgesics agents in the various classes are described inthe literature.

Among the useful analgesic polypeptides are sialorphin-relatedpolypeptides, including those comprising the amino acid sequence QHNPR(SEQ ID NO: 9), including: VQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 10); VRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:11); VRGQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 12); VRGPQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 13); VRGPRQHNPR(SEQ ID NO: 14); VRGPRRQHNPR (SEQ ID NO: 15); and RQHNPR (SEQ ID NO:16). Sialorphin-related polypeptides bind to neprilysin and inhibitneprilysin-mediated breakdown of substance P and Met-enkephalin. Thus,compounds or polypeptides that are inhibitors of neprilysin are usefulanalgesic agents which can be administered with the polypeptidesdescribed herein in a co-therapy or linked to the polypeptides describedherein, e.g., by a covalent bond. Sialophin and related polypeptides aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,589,750; U.S. 20030078200 A1; and WO02/051435 A2.

Opioid receptor antagonists and agonists can be administered with theGCRA peptides described herein in co-therapy or linked to the agentdescribed herein, e.g., by a covalent bond. For example, opioid receptorantagonists such as naloxone, naltrexone, methyl nalozone, nalmefene,cypridime, beta funaltrexamine, naloxonazine, naltrindole, andnor-binaltorphimine are thought to be useful in the treatment of IBS. Itcan be useful to formulate opioid antagonists of this type is a delayedand sustained release formulation such that initial release of theantagonist is in the mid to distal small intestine and/or ascendingcolon. Such antagonists are described in WO 01/32180 A2. Enkephalinpentapeptide (HOE825; Tyr-D-Lys-Gly-Phe-L-homoserine (SEQ ID NO: 17)) isan agonist of the mu and delta opioid receptors and is thought to beuseful for increasing intestinal motility {Eur. J. Pharm. 219:445,1992), and this polypeptide can be used in conjunction with thepolypeptides described herein. Also useful is trimebutine which isthought to bind to mu/delta/kappa opioid receptors and activate releaseof motilin and modulate the release of gastrin, vasoactive intestinalpolypeptide, gastrin and glucagons. Kappa opioid receptor agonists suchas fedotozine, asimadoline, and ketocyclazocine, and compounds describedin WO03/097051 and WO05/007626 can be used with or linked to thepolypeptides described herein. In addition, mu opioid receptor agonistssuch as morphine, diphenyloxylate, frakefamide(H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe(F)-Phe-NH 2 (SEQ ID NO: 18); WO 01/019849 A1) andloperamide can be used.

Tyr-Arg (kyotorphin) is a dipeptide that acts by stimulating the releaseof met-enkephalins to elicit an analgesic effect (J. Biol. Chem.262:8165, 1987). Kyotorphin can be used with or linked to the GCRApeptides described herein.

Chromogranin-derived polypeptide (CgA 47-66; See, e.g., Ghia et al. 2004Regulatory polypeptides 119:199) can be used with or linked to the GCRApeptides described herein.

CCK receptor agonists such as caerulein from amphibians and otherspecies are useful analgesic agents that can be used with or linked tothe GCRA peptides described herein.

Conotoxin polypeptides represent a large class of analgesic polypeptidesthat act at voltage gated calcium channels, NMDA receptors or nicotinicreceptors. These polypeptides can be used with or linked to thepolypeptides described herein.

Peptide analogs of thymulin (FR Application 2830451) can have analgesicactivity and can be used with or linked to the polypeptides describedherein.

CCK (CCKa or CCKb) receptor antagonists, including loxiglumide anddexloxiglumide (the R-isomer of loxiglumide) (WO 88/05774) can haveanalgesic activity and can be used with or linked to the polypeptidesdescribed herein.

Other useful analgesic agents include 5-HT4 agonists such as tegaserod(Zelnorm®), mosapride, metoclopramide, zacopride, cisapride, renzapride,benzimidazolone derivatives such as BIMU 1 and BIMU 8, and lirexapride.Such agonists are described in: EP1321 142 A1, WO 03/053432A1, EP 505322A1, EP 505322 B1, U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,353, EP 507672 A1, EP 507672 B1,and U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,983.

Calcium channel blockers such as ziconotide and related compoundsdescribed in, for example, EP625162B1, U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,842, U.S.Pat. No. 5,587,454, U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,645, U.S. Pat. No. 5,859,186,U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,305, U.S. Pat. No. 6,087,091, U.S. Pat. No.6,136,786, WO 93/13128 A1, EP 1336409 A1, EP 835126 A1, EP 835126 B1,U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,864, U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,849, U.S. Pat. No.6,054,429, WO 97/01351 A1, can be used with or linked to thepolypeptides described herein.

Various antagonists of the NK-I, NK-2, and NK-3 receptors (for a reviewsee Giardina et al. 2003. Drugs 6:758) can be can be used with or linkedto the polypeptides described herein.

NK1 receptor antagonists such as: aprepitant (Merck & Co Inc),vofopitant, ezlopitant (Pfizer, Inc.), R-673 (Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd),SR-48968 (Sanofi Synthelabo), CP-122,721 (Pfizer, Inc.), GW679769 (GlaxoSmith Kline), TAK-637 (Takeda/Abbot), SR-14033, and related compoundsdescribed in, for example, EP 873753 A1, U.S. 20010006972 A1, US20030109417 A1, WO 01/52844 A1, can be used with or linked to thepolypeptides described herein.

NK-2 receptor antagonists such as nepadutant (Menarini Ricerche SpA),saredutant (Sanoft-Synthelabo), GW597599 (Glaxo Smith Kline), SR-144190(Sanofi-Synthelabo) and UK-290795 (Pfizer Inc) can be used with orlinked to the polypeptides described herein.

NK3 receptor antagonists such as osanetant (SR-142801;Sanoft-Synthelabo), SSR-241586, talnetant and related compoundsdescribed in, for example, WO 02/094187 A2, EP 876347 A1, WO 97/21680A1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,862, WO 98/1 1090, WO 95/28418, WO 97/19927, andBoden et al. (J Med. Chem. 39:1664-75, 1996) can be used with or linkedto the polypeptides described herein.

Norepinephrine-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (NSRI) such as milnacipranand related compounds described in WO 03/077897 A1 can be used with orlinked to the polypeptides described herein.

Vanilloid receptor antagonists such as arvanil and related compoundsdescribed in WO 01/64212 A1 can be used with or linked to thepolypeptides described herein.

The analgesic polypeptides and compounds can be administered with thepolypeptides and agonists described herein (simultaneously orsequentially). The analgesic agents can also be covalently linked to thepolypeptides and agonists described herein to create therapeuticconjugates. Where the analgesic is a polypeptide and is covalentlylinked to an agent described herein the resulting polypeptide may alsoinclude at least one trypsin cleavage site. When present within thepolypeptide, the analgesic polypeptide may be preceded by (if it is atthe carboxy terminus) or followed by (if it is at the amino terminus) atrypsin cleavage site that allows release of the analgesic polypeptide.

In addition to sialorphin-related polypeptides, analgesic polypeptidesinclude: AspPhe, endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2, nocistatin, dalargin,lupron, ziconotide, and substance P.

Agents to Treat Gastrointestinal Disorders

Examples of additional therapeutic agents to treat gastrointestinal andother disorders include agents to treat constipation (e.g., a chloridechannel activator such as the bicylic fatty acid, Lubiprostone (formerlyknown as SPI-0211; Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Bethesda, Md.), alaxative (e.g. a bulk-forming laxative (e.g. nonstarch polysaccharides,Colonel Tablet (polycarbophil calcium), Plantago Ovata®, Equalactin®(Calcium Polycarbophil)), fiber (e.g. FIBERCON® (Calcium Polycarbophil),an osmotic laxative, a stimulant laxative (such as diphenylmethanes(e.g. bisacodyl), anthraquinones (e.g. cascara, senna), and surfactantlaxatives (e.g. castor oil, docusates), an emollient/lubricating agent(such as mineral oil, glycerine, and docusates), MiraLax (BraintreeLaboratories, Braintree Mass.), dexloxiglumide (Forest Laboratories,also known as CR 2017 Rottapharm (Rotta Research Laboratorium SpA)),saline laxatives, enemas, suppositories, and CR 3700 (Rottapharm (RottaResearch Laboratorium SpA); acid reducing agents such as proton pumpinhibitors (e.g., omeprazole (Prilosec®), esomeprazole (Nexium®),lansoprazole (Prevacid®), pantoprazole (Protonix®) and rabeprazole(Aciphex®)) and Histamine H2-receptor antagonist (also known as H2receptor blockers including cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine andnizatidine); prokinetic agents including itopride, octreotide,bethanechol, metoclopramide (Reglan®), domperidone (Motilium®),erythromycin (and derivatives thereof) or cisapride (Propulsid®);Prokineticin polypeptides homologs, variants and chimeras thereofincluding those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,052,674 which can be usedwith or linked to the polypeptides described herein; pro-motility agentssuch as the vasostatin-derived polypeptide, chromogranin A (4-16) (See,e.g., Ghia et al. 2004 Regulatory polypeptides 121:31) or motilinagonists (e.g., GM-611 or mitemcinal fumarate) or nociceptin/Orphanin FQreceptor modulators (US20050169917); other peptides which can bind toand/or activate GC-C including those described in US20050287067;complete or partial 5HT (e.g. 5HT1, 5HT2, 5HT3, 5HT4) receptor agonistsor antagonists (including 5HT1A antagonists (e.g. AGI-OO1 (AGItherapeutics), 5HT2B antagonists (e.g. PGN 1091 and PGNI 164 (PharmageneLaboratories Limited), and 5HT4 receptor agonists (such as tegaserod(ZELNORM®), prucalopride, mosapride, metoclopramide, zacopride,cisapride, renzapride, benzimidazolone derivatives such as BIMU 1 andBIMU 8, and lirexapride). Such agonists/modulators are described in:EP1321142 A1, WO 03/053432A1, EP 505322 A1, EP 505322 B1, U.S. Pat. No.5,510,353, EP 507672 A1, EP 507672 B1, U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,983, and U.S.Pat. No. 6,951,867); 5HT3 receptor agonists such as MKC-733; and 5HT3receptor antagonists such as DDP-225 (MCI-225; Dynogen Pharmaceuticals,Inc.), cilansetron (Calmactin®), alosetron (Lotronex®), Ondansetron HCl(Zofran®), Dolasetron (ANZEMET®), palonosetron (Aloxi®), Granisetron(Kytril®), YM060(ramosetron; Astellas Pharma Inc.; ramosetron may begiven as a daily dose of 0.002 to 0.02 mg as described in EP01588707)and ATI-7000 (Aryx Therapeutics, Santa Clara Calif.); muscarinicreceptor agonists; anti-inflammatory agents; antispasmodics includingbut not limited to anticholinergic drugs (like dicyclomine (e.g.Colimex®, Formulex®, Lomine®, Protylol®, Visceral®, Spasmoban®, Bentyl®,Bentylol®), hyoscyamine (e.g. IB-Stat®, Nulev®, Levsin®, Levbid®,Levsinex Timecaps®, Levsin/SL®, Anaspaz®, A-Spas S/L®, Cystospaz®,Cystospaz-M®, Donnamar®, Colidrops Liquid Pediatric®, Gastrosed®, HycoElixir®, Hyosol®, Hyospaz®, Hyosyne®, Losamine®, Medispaz®, Neosol®,Spacol®, Spasdel®, Symax®, Symax SL®), Donnatal (e.g. DonnatalExtentabs®), clidinium (e.g. Quarzan, in combination withLibrium=Librax), methantheline (e.g. Banthine), Mepenzolate (e.g.Cantil), homatropine (e.g. hycodan, Homapin), Propantheline bromide(e.g. Pro-Banthine), Glycopyrrolate (e.g. Robinul®, Robinul Forte®),scopolamine (e.g. Transderm-Scop®, Transderm-V®), hyosine-N-butylbromide(e.g. Buscopan®), Pirenzepine (e.g. Gastrozepin®) Propantheline Bromide(e.g. Propanthel®), dicycloverine (e.g. Merbentyl®), glycopyrroniumbromide (e.g. Glycopyrrolate®), hyoscine hydrobromide, hyoscinemethobromide, methanthelinium, and octatropine); peppermint oil; anddirect smooth muscle relaxants like cimetropium bromide, mebeverine(DUSPATAL®, DUSPATALIN®, COLOFAC MR®, COLOTAL®), otilonium bromide(octilonium), pinaverium (e.g. Dicetel® (pinaverium bromide; Solvay S.A.)), Spasfon® (hydrated phloroglucinol and trimethylphloroglucinol) andtrimebutine (including trimebutine maleate (Modulon®); antidepressants,including but not limited to those listed herein, as well as tricyclicantidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil®), desipramine (Norpramin®),imipramine (Tofranil®), amoxapine (Asendin®), nortriptyline; theselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRTs) like paroxetine(Paxil®), fluoxetine (Prozac®), sertraline (Zoloft®), and citralopram(Celexa®); and others like doxepin (Sinequan®) and trazodone (Desyrel®);centrally-acting analgesic agents such as opioid receptor agonists,opioid receptor antagonists (e.g., naltrexone); agents for the treatmentof Inflammatory bowel disease; agents for the treatment of Crohn'sdisease and/or ulcerative colitis (e.g., alequel (Enzo Biochem, Inc.;Farmingsale, N.Y.), the anti-inflammatory polypeptide RDP58 (Genzyme,Inc.; Cambridge, Mass.), and TRAFICET-EN™ (ChemoCentryx, Inc.; SanCarlos, Calif.); agents that treat gastrointestinal or visceral pain;agents that increase cGMP levels (as described in US20040121994) likeadrenergic receptor antagonists, dopamine receptor agonists and PDE(phosphodiesterase) inhibitors including but not limited to thosedisclosed herein; purgatives that draw fluids to the intestine (e.g.,VISICOL®, a combination of sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate andsodium phosphate dibasic anhydrate); Corticotropin Releasing Factor(CRF) receptor antagonists (including NBI-34041 (Neurocrine Biosciences,San Diego, Calif.), CRH9-41, astressin, R121919 (Janssen Pharmaceutica),CP154,526, NBI-27914, Antalarmin, DMP696 (Bristol-Myers Squibb)CP-316,311 (Pfizer, Inc.), SB723620 (GSK), GW876008 (Neurocrine/GlaxoSmith Kline), ONO-2333Ms (Ono Pharmaceuticals), TS-041 (Janssen), AAG561(Novartis) and those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,245, U.S. Pat. No.5,861,398, US20040224964, US20040198726, US20040176400, US20040171607,US20040110815, US20040006066, and US20050209253); glucagon-likepolypeptides (glp-1) and analogues thereof (including exendin-4 andGTP-010 (Gastrotech Pharma A)) and inhibitors of DPP-IV (DPP-IV mediatesthe inactivation of glp-1); tofisopam, enantiomerically-pureR-tofisopam, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof (US20040229867); tricyclic anti-depressants of the dibenzothiazepine typeincluding but not limited to Dextofisopam® (Vela Pharmaceuticals),tianeptine (Stablon®) and other agents described in U.S. Pat. No.6,683,072; (E)-4(1,3bis(cyclohexylmethyl)-1,2,34,-tetrahydro-2,6-diono-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamicacid nonaethylene glycol methyl ether ester and related compoundsdescribed in WO 02/067942; the probiotic PROBACTRIX® (The BioBalanceCorporation; New York, N.Y.) which contains microorganisms useful in thetreatment of gastrointestinal disorders; antidiarrheal drugs includingbut not limited to loperamide (Imodium, Pepto Diarrhea), diphenoxylatewith atropine (Lomotil, Lomocot), cholestyramine (Questran, Cholybar),atropine (Co-Phenotrope, Diarsed, Diphenoxylate, Lofene, Logen, Lonox,Vi-Atro, atropine sulfate injection) and Xifaxan® (rifaximin; SalixPharmaceuticals Ltd), TZP-201(Tranzyme Pharma Inc.), the neuronalacetylcholine receptor (nAChR) blocker AGI-004 (AGI therapeutics), andbismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-bismol); anxiolytic drugs including but notlimited to Ativan (lorazepam), alprazolam. (Xanax®),chlordiazepoxide/clidiniuin (Librium®, Librax®), clonazepam (Klonopin®),clorazepate (Tranxene®), diazepam (Valium®), estazolam (ProSom®),flurazepam (Dalmane®), oxazepam (Serax®), prazepam (Centrax®), temazepam(Restoril®), triazolam (Halcion®; Bedelix® (Montmorillonite beidellitic;Ipsen Ltd), Solvay SLV332 (ArQuIe Inc), YKP (SK Pharma), Asimadoline(Tioga Pharmaceuticals/Merck), AGI-003 (AGI Therapeutics); neurokininantagonists including those described in US20060040950; potassiumchannel modulators including those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,002,015;the serotonin modulator AZD7371 (AstraZeneca PIc); M3 muscarinicreceptor antagonists such as darifenacin (Enablex; Novartis AG andzamifenacin (Pfizer); herbal and natural therapies including but notlimited to acidophilus, chamomile tea, evening primrose oil, fennelseeds, wormwood, comfrey, and compounds of Bao-Ji-Wan (magnolol,honokiol, imperatorin, and isoimperatorin) as in U.S. Pat. No.6,923,992; and compositions comprising lysine and an anti-stress agentfor the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome as described in EPO1550443.

Insulin and Insulin Modulating Agents

The GCRA peptides described herein can be used in combination therapywith insulin and related compounds including primate, rodent, or rabbitinsulin including biologically active variants thereof including allelicvariants, more preferably human insulin, available in recombinant form.Sources of human insulin include pharmaceutically acceptable and sterileformulations such as those available from Eli Lilly (Indianapolis, Ind.46285) as Humulin™ (human insulin rDNA origin). See, the THE PHYSICIAN'SDESK REFERENCE, 55.sup.th Ed. (2001) Medical Economics, ThomsonHealthcare (disclosing other suitable human insulins).

The GCRA peptides described herein can also be used in combinationtherapy with agents that can boost insulin effects or levels of asubject upon administration, e.g. glipizide and/or rosiglitazone. Thepolypeptides and agonists described herein can be used in combitherapywith SYMLIN® (pramlintide acetate) and Exenatide® (synthetic exendin-4;a 39 as polypeptide).

Agents for the Treatment of Postoperative Pelts

The GCRA peptides described herein can also be used in combinationtherapy with agents (e.g., Entereg™ (alvimopan; formerly called adolor/ADL 8-2698), conivaptan and related agents describe in U.S. Pat. No.6,645,959) used for the treatment of postoperative ileus and otherdisorders.

Anti-Hypertensive Agents

The GCRA peptides described herein can be used in combination therapywith an anti-hypertensive agent including but not limited to: (1)diuretics, such as thiazides, including chlorthalidone, chlorthiazide,dichlorophenamide, hydroflumethiazide, indapamide, polythiazide, andhydrochlorothiazide; loop diuretics, such as bumetanide, ethacrynicacid, furosemide, and torsemide; potassium sparing agents, such asamiloride, and triamterene; carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, osmotics(such as glycerin) and aldosterone antagonists, such as spironolactone,epirenone, and the like; (2) beta-adrenergic blockers such asacebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, bevantolol, bisoprolol, bopindolol,carteolol, carvedilol, celiprolol, esmolol, indenolol, metaprolol,nadolol, nebivolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propanolol, sotalol,tertatolol, tilisolol, and timolol, and the like; (3) calcium channelblockers such as amlodipine, aranidipine, azelnidipine, barnidipine,benidipine, bepridil, cinaldipine, clevidipine, diltiazem, efonidipine,felodipine, gallopamil, isradipine, lacidipine, lemildipine,lercanidipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nilvadipine, nimodepine,nisoldipine, nitrendipine, manidipine, pranidipine, and verapamil, andthe like; (4) angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such asbenazepril; captopril; ceranapril; cilazapril; delapril; enalapril;enalopril; fosinopril; imidapril; lisinopril; losinopril; moexipril;quinapril; quinaprilat; ramipril; perindopril; perindropril; quanipril;spirapril; tenocapril; trandolapril, and zofenopril, and the like; (5)neutral endopeptidase inhibitors such as omapatrilat, cadoxatril andecadotril, fosidotril, sampatrilat, AVE7688, ER4030, and the like; (6)endothelin antagonists such as tezosentan, A308165, and YM62899, and thelike; (7) vasodilators such as hydralazine, clonidine, minoxidil, andnicotinyl alcohol, and the like; (8) angiotensin II receptor antagonistssuch as aprosartan, candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, losartan,olmesartan, pratosartan, tasosartan, telmisartan, valsartan, andEXP-3137, FI6828K, and RNH6270, and the like; (9) α/β adrenergicblockers such as nipraditol, arotinolol and amosulalol, and the like;(10) alpha 1 blockers, such as terazosin, urapidil, prazosin,tamsulosin, bunazosin, trimazosin, doxazosin, naftopidil, indoramin, WHP164, and XENO1O, and the like; (11) alpha 2 agonists such as lofexidine,tiamenidine, moxonidine, rilmenidine and guanobenz, and the like; (12)aldosterone inhibitors, and the like; and (13) angiopoietin-2-bindingagents such as those disclosed in WO03/030833. Specificanti-hypertensive agents that can be used in combination withpolypeptides and agonists described herein include, but are not limitedto: diuretics, such as thiazides (e.g., chlorthalidone, cyclothiazide(CAS RN 2259-96-3), chlorothiazide (CAS RN 72956-09-3, which may beprepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,809,194), dichlorophenamide,hydroflumethiazide, indapamide, polythiazide, bendroflumethazide,methyclothazide, polythiazide, trichlormethazide, chlorthalidone,indapamide, metolazone, quinethazone, althiazide (CAS RN 5588-16-9,which may be prepared as disclosed in British Patent No. 902,658),benzthiazide (CAS RN 91-33-8, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 3,108,097), buthiazide (which may be prepared as disclosed inBritish Patent Nos. 861, 367), and hydrochlorothiazide), loop diuretics(e.g. bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, and torasemide),potassium sparing agents (e.g. amiloride, and triamterene (CAS Number396-01-O)), and aldosterone antagonists (e.g. spironolactone (CAS Number52-01-7), epirenone, and the like); β-adrenergic blockers such asAmiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), bunolol hydrochloride (CAS RN31969-05-8, Parke-Davis), acebutolol (±N-[3-Acetyl-4-[2-hydroxy-3-[(1methylethyl)amino]propoxy]phenyl]-butanamide, or(±)-3′-Acetyl-4′-[2-hydroxy-3-(isopropylamino)propoxy]butyranilide),acebutolol hydrochloride (e.g. Sectral®, Wyeth-Ayerst), alprenololhydrochloride (CAS RN 13707-88-5 see Netherlands Patent Application No.6,605,692), atenolol (e.g. Tenormin®, AstraZeneca), carteololhydrochloride (e.g. Cartrol® Filmtab®, Abbott), Celiprolol hydrochloride(CAS RN 57470-78-7, also see in U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,009), cetamololhydrochloride (CAS RN 77590-95-5, see also U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,622),labetalol hydrochloride (e.g. Normodyne®, Schering), esmololhydrochloride (e.g. Brevibloc®, Baxter), levobetaxolol hydrochloride(e.g. Betaxon™ Ophthalmic Suspension, Alcon), levobunolol hydrochloride(e.g. Betagan® Liquifilm® with C CAP® Compliance Cap, Allergan), nadolol(e.g. Nadolol, Mylan), practolol (CAS RN 6673-35-4, see also U.S. Pat.No. 3,408,387), propranolol hydrochloride (CAS RN 318-98-9), sotalolhydrochloride (e.g. Betapace AF™, Berlex), timolol(2-Propanol,1-[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-3-[[4-4(4-morpholinyl)-1,2,5-thiadiazol-3-yl]oxy]-,hemihydrate, (S)—, CAS RN 91524-16-2), timolol maleate(S)-1-[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-3-[[4-(4-morpholinyl)-1,2,5-thiadiazol-3-yl]oxy]-2-propanol(Z)-2-butenedioate (1:1) salt, CAS RN 26921-17-5), bisoprolol(2-Propanol,1-[4-[[2-(-methylethoxy)ethoxy]-methyl]phenoxyl]-3-[(1-meth-ylethyl)amino]-,(±), CAS RN 66722-44-9), bisoprolol fumarate (such as(±)-1-[4-[[2-(1-Methylethoxy)ethoxy]methyl]phenoxy]-3-[(1-methylethyl)amino]-2-propanol(E)-2-butenedioate (2:1) (salt), e.g., Zebeta™, Lederle Consumer),nebivalol (2H-1-Benzopyran-2-methanol,α,α′-[iminobis(methylene)]bis[6-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-, CAS RN 99200-09-6see also U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,362), cicloprolol hydrochloride, such2-Propanol,1-[4-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)ethoxy]phenoxy]-3-[1-methylethyl)amino]-,hydrochloride, A.A.S. RN 63686-79-3), dexpropranolol hydrochloride(2-Propanol,1-[1-methylethy)-amino]-3-(1-naphthalenyloxy)-hydrochloride(CAS RN 13071-11-9), diacetolol hydrochloride (Acetamide,N-[3-acetyl-4-[2-hydroxy-3-[(1-methyl-ethyl)amino]propoxy][phenyl]-,monohydrochloride CAS RN 69796-04-9), dilevalol hydrochloride(Benzamide,2-hydroxy-5-[1-hydroxy-2-[1-methyl-3-phenylpropyl)amino]ethyl]-,monohydrochloride, CAS RN 75659-08-4), exaprolol hydrochloride(2-Propanol, 1-(2-cyclohexylphenoxy)-3-[(1-methylethyl)amino]-,hydrochloride CAS RN 59333-90-3), flestolol sulfate (Benzoic acid,2-fluoro-,3-[[2-[aminocarbonyl)amino]-dimethylethyl]amino]-2-hydroxypropylester, (+)-sulfate (1:1) (salt), CAS RN 88844-73-9; metalolhydrochloride (Methanesulfonamide,N-[4-[1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)propyl]phenyl]-, monohydrochloride CAS RN7701-65-7), metoprolol 2-Propanol,1-[4-(2-methoxyethyl)phenoxy]-3-[1-methylethyl)amino]-; CAS RN37350-58-6), metoprolol tartrate (such as 2-Propanol,1-[4-(2-methoxyethyl)phenoxy]-3-[(1-methylethyl)amino]-, e.g.,Lopressor®, Novartis), pamatolol sulfate (Carbamic acid,[2-[4-[2-hydroxy-3-[(1-methylethyl)amino]propoxyl]phenyl]-ethyl]-,methyl ester, (±) sulfate (salt) (2:1), CAS RN 59954-01-7), penbutololsulfate (2-Propanol,1-(2-cyclopentylphenoxy)-3-[1,1-dimethyle-thyl)amino]1, (S)—, sulfate(2:1) (salt), CAS RN 38363-32-5), practolol (Acetamide,N-[4-[2-hydroxy-3-[(1-methylethyl)amino]-propoxy]phenyl]-, CAS RN6673-35-4;) tiprenolol hydrochloride (Propanol11-[(1-methylethyl)amino]-3-[2-(methylthio)-phenoxy]-, hydrochloride,(±), CAS RN 39832-43-4), tolamolol (Benzamide,4-[2-[[2-hydroxy-3-(2-methylphenoxy)-propyl]amino]ethoxyl]-, CAS RN38103-61-6), bopindolol, indenolol, pindolol, propanolol, tertatolol,and tilisolol, and the like; calcium channel blockers such as besylatesalt of amlodipine (such as3-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(2-aminoethoxymethyl)-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-6-methyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylatebenzenesulphonate, e.g., Norvasc®, Pfizer), clentiazem maleate(1,5-Benzothiazepin-4(5H)-one,3-(acetyloxy)-8-chloro-5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-2,3-dihydro-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-(2S-cis)-,(Z)-2-butenedioate (1:1), see also U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,195), isradipine(3,5-Pyridinedicarboxylic acid,4-(4-benzofurazanyl)-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-, methyl 1-methylethylester, (±)-4(4-benzofurazanyl)-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate, see alsoU.S. Pat. No. 4,466,972); nimodipine (such as is isopropyl(2-methoxyethyl)1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridine-dicarboxylate,e.g. Nimotop®, Bayer), felodipine (such as ethyl methyl4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate-,e.g. Plendil® Extended-Release, AstraZeneca LP), nilvadipine(3,5-Pyridinedicarboxylic acid,2-cyano-1,4-dihydro-6-methyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)-,3-methyl5-(1-methylethyl) ester, also see U.S. Pat. No. 3,799,934), nifedipine(such as 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid,1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-, dimethyl ester, e.g.,Procardia XL® Extended Release Tablets, Pfizer), diltiazem hydrochloride(such as1,5-Benzothiazepin-4(5H)-one,3-(acetyloxy)-5[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-2,-3-dihydro-2(4-methoxyphenyl)-,monohydrochloride, (+)-cis., e.g., Tiazac®, Forest), verapamilhydrochloride (such as benzeneacetronitrile,(alpha)-[[3-[[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]methylamino]propyl]-3,4-dimethoxy-(alpha)-(1-methylethyl)hydrochloride, e.g., Isoptin® SR, Knoll Labs), teludipine hydrochloride(3,5-Pyridinedicarboxylic acid,2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-4-[2-[(1E)-3-(1,1-dimethylethoxy)-3-oxo-1-propenyl]phenyl]-1,4-dihydro-6-methyl-,diethyl ester, monohydrochloride) CAS RN 108700-03-4), belfosdil(Phosphonic acid. [2-(2-phenoxy ethyl)-1,3-propane-diyl]bis-, tetrabutylester CAS RN 103486-79-9), fostedil (Phosphonic acid,[[4-(2-benzothiazolyl)phenyl]methyl]-, diethyl ester CAS RN 75889-62-2),aranidipine, azelnidipine, barnidipine, benidipine, bepridil,cinaldipine, clevidipine, efonidipine, gallopamil, lacidipine,lemildipine, lercanidipine, monatepil maleate (1-Piperazinebutanamide,N-(6,11-dihydrodibenzo(b,e)thiepin-11-yl)₄-(4-fluorophenyl)-, (+)-,(Z)-2-butenedioate (1:1)(±)-N-(6,11-Dihydrodibenzo(b,e)thiep-in-11-yl)-4-(p-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinebutyramidemaleate (1:1) CAS RN 132046-06-1), nicardipine, nisoldipine,nitrendipine, manidipine, pranidipine, and the like; T-channel calciumantagonists such as mibefradil; angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)inhibitors such as benazepril, benazepril hydrochloride (such as3-[[1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenyl-(1S)-propyl]amino]-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2-oxo-1H-1-(3S)-benzazepine-1-aceticacid monohydrochloride, e.g., Lotrel®, Novartis), captopril (such as1-[(2S)-3-mercapto-2-methylpropionyl]-L-proline, e.g., Captopril, Mylan,CAS RN 62571-86-2 and others disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,046,889),cerarnapril (and others disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,790), cetapril(alacepril, Dainippon disclosed in Eur. Therap. Res. 39:671 (1986);40:543 (1986)), cilazapril (Hoffman-LaRoche) disclosed in J. Cardiovasc.Pharmacol. 9:39 (1987), indalapril (delapril hydrochloride(2H-1,2,4-Benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide,3-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-yl-6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-, 1,1-dioxide CAS RN2259-96-3); disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,385,051), enalapril (and othersdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,374,829), enalopril, enaloprilat,fosinopril, ((such as L-proline,4-cyclohexyl-1-[[[2-methyl-1-(1-oxopropoxy)propoxy](4-phenylbutyl)phosphinyl]acetyl]-, sodium salt, e.g., Monopril,Bristol-Myers Squibb and others disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,168,267),fosinopril sodium (L-Proline,4-cyclohexyl-1-[[(R)-[(1S)-2-methyl-1-(1-ox-opropoxy)propox), imidapril,indolapril (Schering, disclosed in J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol. 5:643, 655(1983)), lisinopril (Merck), losinopril, moexipril, moexiprilhydrochloride (3-Isoquinolinecarboxylic acid,2-[(2S)-2-[[(1S)-1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylpropyl]amino]-1-oxopropyl]-1,-2,3,4-tetrahydro-6,7-dimethoxy-,monohydrochloride, (3S)-CAS RN 82586-52-5), quinapril, quinaprilat,ramipril (Hoechsst) disclosed in EP 79022 and Curr. Ther. Res. 40:74(1986), perindopril erbumine (such as2S,3aS,7aS-1-[(S)—N—[(S)-1-Carboxybutyljalanyljhexahydro^-indolinecarboxylicacid, 1-ethyl ester, compound with tert-butylamine (1:1), e.g., Aceon®,Solvay), perindopril (Servier, disclosed in Eur. J. clin. Pharmacol.31:519 (1987)), quanipril (disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,344,949),spirapril (Schering, disclosed in Acta. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 59 (Supp.5): 173 (1986)), tenocapril, trandolapril, zofenopril (and othersdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,316,906), rentiapril (fentiapril, disclosedin Clin. Exp. Pharmacol. Physiol. 10:131 (1983)), pivopril, YS980,teprotide (Bradykinin potentiator BPP9a CAS RN 35115-60-7), BRL 36,378(Smith Kline Beecham, see EP80822 and EP60668), MC-838 (Chugai, see CA.102:72588v and Jap. J. Pharmacol. 40:373 (1986), CGS14824 (Ciba-Geigy,3-([1-ethoxycarbonyl-3-phenyl-(1S)-propyl]amino)-2,3,4,5-tetralydro-2-ox-o-1-(3S)-benzazepine-1acetic acid HCl, see U.K. Patent No. 2103614), CGS 16,617 (Ciba-Geigy,3(S)-[[(1S)-5-amino-1-carboxypentyl]amino]-2,3,4,-5-tetrahydro-2-oxo-1H-1-benzazepine-1-ethanoicacid, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,473,575), Ru 44570 (Hoechst, seeArzneimittelforschung 34:1254 (1985)), R 31-2201 (Hoffman-LaRoche seeFEBS Lett. 165:201 (1984)), C1925 (Pharmacologist 26:243, 266 (1984)),WY-44221 (Wyeth, see J. Med. Chem. 26:394 (1983)), and those disclosedin US2003006922 (paragraph 28), U.S. Pat. No. 4,337,201, U.S. Pat. No.4,432,971 (phosphonamidates); neutral endopeptidase inhibitors such asomapatrilat (Vanlev®), CGS 30440, cadoxatril and ecadotril, fasidotril(also known as aladotril or alatriopril), sampatrilat, mixanpril, andgemopatrilat, AVE7688, ER4030, and those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,362,727, U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,973. U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,401. U.S. Pat.No. 4,722,810, U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,516, U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,688, U.S.Pat. No. 5,552,397, U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,080, U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,359,U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,723, EP0599444, EP0481522, EP0599444, EP0595610,EP0534363, EP534396, EP534492, EP0629627; endothelin antagonists such astezosentan, A308165, and YM62899, and the like; vasodilators such ashydralazine (apresoline), clonidine (clonidine hydrochloride(1H-Imidazol-2-amine, N-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-,monohydrochloride CAS RN 4205-91-8), catapres, minoxidil (loniten),nicotinyl alcohol (roniacol), diltiazem hydrochloride (such as1,5-Benzothiazepin-4(5H)-one,3-(acetyloxy)-5[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-2,-3-dihydro-2(4-methoxyphenyl)-,monohydrochloride, (+)-cis, e.g., Tiazac®, Forest), isosorbide dinitrate(such as 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-D-glucitol 2,5-dinitrate e.g., Isordil®Titradose®, Wyeth-Ayerst), sosorbide mononitrate (such as1,4:3,6-dianhydro-D-glucito-1,5-nitrate, an organic nitrate, e.g.,Ismo®, Wyeth-Ayerst), nitroglycerin (such as 2,3 propanetrioltrinitrate, e.g., Nitrostat® Parke-Davis), verapamil hydrochloride (suchas benzeneacetonitrile, (±)-(alpha)[3-[[2-(3,4 dimethoxypheny1)ethyl]methylamino]propyl]-3,4-dimethoxy-(alpha)-(1-methylethyl)hydrochloride,e.g., Covera HS® Extended-Release, Searle), chromonar (which may beprepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,282,938), clonitate (Annalen1870 155), droprenilamine (which may be prepared as disclosed inDE2521113), lidoflazine (which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 3,267,104); prenylamine (which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 3,152,173), propatyl nitrate (which may be prepared asdisclosed in French Patent No. 1,103,113), mioflazine hydrochloride(1-piperazineacetamide,3-(aminocarbonyl)-4-[4,4-bis(4-fluorophenyl)butyl]-N-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-,dihydrochloride CAS RN 83898-67-3), mixidine (Benzeneethanamine,3,4-dimethoxy-N-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinylidene)-Pyrrolidine,2-[(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)imino]-1-methyl-1-Methyl-2-[(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)imino]pyrrolidineCAS RN 27737-38-8), molsidomine (1,2,3-Oxadiazolium,5-[(ethoxycarbonyl)amino]-3-(4-morpholinyl)-, inner salt CAS RN25717-80-0), isosorbide mononitrate (D-Glucitol, 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-,5-nitrate CAS RN 16051-77-7), erythrityl tetranitrate(1,2,3,4-Bulanetetrol, tetranitrate, (2R,3S)-rel-CAS RN 7297-25-8),clonitrate(1,2-Propanediol. 3-chloro-, dinitrate (7CI, 8CI, 9CI) CAS RN2612-33-1), dipyridamnole Ethanol,2,2′,2″,2′″-[(4,8-di-1-piperidinylpyrimido[5,4-d]pyrimidine-2,6-diyl)dinitrilo]tetrakis-CASRN 58-32-2), nicorandil (CAS RN 65141-46-0 3-), pyridinecarboxamide(N-[2-(nitrooxy)ethyl]-Nisoldipine-3,5-Pyridinedicarboxylic acid,1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-, methyl 2-methylpropyl esterCAS RN 63675-72-9), nifedipine3,5-Pyridinedicarboxylic acid,1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-, dimethyl ester CAS RN21829-25-4), perhexyline maleate (Piperidine,2-(2,2-dicyclohexylethyl)-, (2Z)-2-butenedioate (1:1) CAS RN 6724-53-4),oxprenolol hydrochloride (2-Propanol.1-[(1-methylethyl)amino]-3-[2-(2-propenyloxy)phenoxy]-, hydrochlorideCAS RN 6452-73-9), pentrinitrol (1,3-Propanediol,2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, mononitrate (ester) CAS RN 1607-17-6),verapamil (Benzeneacetonitrile,α-[3-[[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-methylamino]propyl]-3,4-dimethoxy-α-(1-methylethyl)-CASRN 52-53-9) and the like; angiotensin 1 receptor antagonists such as,aprosartan, zolasartan, olmesartan, pratosartan, FI6828K. RNH6270,candesartan (1H-Benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid,2-ethoxy-1-[[2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl]methyl]-CAS RN139481-59-7), candesartan cilexetil((+/−)-1-(cyclohexylcarbonyloxy)ethyl-2-ethoxy-1-[[2′-(H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-1H-benzimidazolecarboxylate, CAS RN 145040-37-5, U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,110 and U.S. Pat.No. 5,196,444), eprosartan(3-[1-4-carboxyphenylmethyl)-2-n-butyl-imidazol-5-yl]-(2-thienylmethyl)propenoic acid, U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,351 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,650,650),irbesartan(2-n-butyl-3-[[2′(1h-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]1,3-diazazspiro[4,4]non-1-en-4-one,U.S. Pat. No. 5,270,317 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,788), losartan(2-N-butyl-4-chloro-5-hydroxymethyl-1-[(2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl)-methyl]imidazole,potassium salt, U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,069, U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,197 andU.S. Pat. No. 5,128,355), tasosartan(5,8-dihydro-2,4-dimethyl-8-(2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)[l,r-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl]-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7(6H)-one,U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,699), telmisartan(4′-[(1,4-dimethyl-2′-propyl-(2,6′-bi-1H-benzimidazol)-r-yl)]-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-carboxylicacid, CAS RN 144701-48-4, U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,762), milfasartan,abitesartan, valsartan (Diovan® (Novartis),(S)—N-valeryl-N-[[2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl)methyl]valine, U.S.Pat. No. 5,399,578), EXP-3137(2-N-butyl-4-chloro-1-[(2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl)-methyl]imidazole-5-carboxylicacid, U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,069, U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,197 and U.S. Pat. No.5,128,355),3-(2′-(tetrazol-5-yl)-l,r-biphen-4-yl)methyl-5,7-dimethyl-2-ethyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine,4′[2-ethyl-4-methyl-6-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl]-benzimidazol-1-yl]-methyl]-l,r-biphenyl]-2-carboxylicacid,2-butyl-6-(1-methoxy-1-methylethyl)-2-[2′-)1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-ylmethyl]quinazolin-4(3H)-one,3-[2′-carboxybiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-cyclopropyl-7-methyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine,2-butyl-4-chloro-1-[(2′-tetrazol-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-yl)methyl]imidazole-carboxylicacid, 2-butyl-4-chloro-1-[[2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl]methyl]-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylicacid-1-(ethoxycarbonyl-oxy)ethyl ester potassium salt, dipotassium2-butyl-4-(methylthio)-1-[[2-[[[(propylamino)carbonyl]amino]-sulfonyl](1,1′-biphenyl)-4-yl]methyl]-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylate,methyl-2-[[4-butyl-2-methyl-6-oxo-5-[[2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl]methyl]-1-(6H)-pyrimidinyl]methyl]-3-thiophencarboxylate,5-[(3,5-dibutyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-2-[2-(1H-tetrazol-5-ylphenyl)]pyridine,6-butyl-2-(2-phenylethyl)-5[[2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)[[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-methyl]pyrimidin-4-(3H)-oneD,L lysine salt,5-methyl-7-n-propyl-8-[[2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-[1,2,4]-triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one,2,7-diethyl-5-[[2′-(5-tetrazoly)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-5H-pyrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazolepotassium salt,2-[2-butyl-4,5-dihydro-4-oxo-3-[2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-4-biphenylmethyl]-3H-imidazol[4,5-c]pyridine-5-ylmethyl]benzoicacid, ethyl ester, potassium salt,3-methoxy-2,6-dimethyl-4-[[2′(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-yl]methoxy]pyridine,2-ethoxy-1-[[2′-(5-oxo-2,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-7-carboxylicacid,1-[N-(2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl-methyl)-N-valerolylaminomethyl)cyclopentane-1-carboxylicacid,7-methyl-2n-propyl-3-[[2′1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-6]pyridine,2-[5-[(2-ethyl-5,7-dimethyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-3-yl)methyl]-2-quinolinyl]sodiumbenzoate,2-butyl-6-chloro-4-hydroxymethyl-5-methyl-3-[[2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]pyridine,2-[[[2-butyl-1-[(4-carboxyphenyl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-5-yl]methyl]amino]benzoicacid tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]pyrimidin-6-one,4(S)-[4-(carboxymethyl)phenoxy]-N-[2(R)-[4-(2-sulfobenzamido)imidazol-1-yl]octanoyl]-L-proline,1-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-4-butyl-1,3-dihydro-3-[[6-[2-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]-3-pyridinyl]methyl]-2H-imidazol-2-one,5,8-ethano-5,8-dimethyl-2-n-propyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-[[2′(H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H,4H-1,3,4a,8a-tetrazacyclopentanaphthalene-9-one,4-[1-[2′-(1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl)biphen-4-yl)methylamino]-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-trifylquinazoline,2-(2-chlorobenzoyl)imino-5-ethyl-3-[2′-(1H-tetrazole-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl)methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazoline,2-[5-ethyl-3-[2-(1H-tetrazole-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl-1,3,4-thiazoline-2-ylidene]aminocarbonyl-1-cyclopentencarboxylicacid dipotassium salt, and2-butyl-4-[N-methyl-N-(3-methycrotonoyl)amino]-1-[[2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H-imidzole-5-carboxylicacid 1-ethoxycarbonyloxyethyl ester, those disclosed in patentpublications EP475206, EP497150, EP539086, EP539713, EP535463, EP535465,EP542059, EP497121, EP535420, EP407342, EP415886, EP424317, EP435827,EP433983, EP475898, EP490820, EP528762, EP324377, EP323841, EP420237,EP500297, EP426021, EP480204, EP429257, EP430709, EP434249, EP446062,EP505954, EP524217, EP514197, EP514198, EP514193, EP514192, EP450566,EP468372, EP485929, EP503162, EP533058, EP467207 EP399731, EP399732,EP412848, EP453210, EP456442, EP470794, EP470795, EP495626, EP495627,EP499414, EP499416, EP499415, EP511791, EP516392, EP520723, EP520724,EP539066, EP438869, EP505893, EP530702, EP400835, EP400974, EP401030,EP407102, EP411766, EP409332, EP412594, EP419048, EP480659, EP481614,EP490587, EP467715, EP479479, EP502725, EP503838, EP505098, EP505111EP513,979 EP507594, EP510812, EP511767, EP512675, EP512676, EP512870,EP517357, EP537937, EP534706, EP527534, EP540356, EP461040, EP540039,EP465368, EP498723, EP498722, EP498721, EP515265, EP503785, EP501892,EP519831, EP532410, EP498361, EP432737, EP504888, EP508393, EP508445,EP403159, EP403158, EP425211, EP427463, EP437103, EP481448, EP488532,EP501269, EP500409, EP540400, EP005528, EP028834, EP028833, EP411507,EP425921, EP430300, EP434038, EP442473, EP443568, EP445811, EP459136,EP483683, EP518033, EP520423, EP531876, EP531874, EP392317, EP468470,EP470543, EP502314, EP529253, EP543263, EP540209, EP449699, EP465323,EP521768, EP415594, WO92/14468, WO93/08171, WO93/08169, WO91/00277,WO91/00281, WO91/14367, WO92/00067, WO92/00977, WO92/20342, WO93/04045,WO93/04046, WO91/15206, WO92/14714, WO92/09600, WO92/16552, WO93/05025,WO93/03018, WO91/07404, WO92/02508, WO92/13853, WO91/19697, WO91/11909,WO91/12001, WO91/11999, WO91/15209, WO91/15479, WO92/20687, WO92/20662,WO92/20661, WO93/01177, WO91/14679, WO91/13063, WO92/13564, WO91/17148,WO91/18888, WO91/19715, WO92/02257, WO92/04335, WO92/05161, WO92/07852,WO92/15577, WO93/03033, WO91/16313, WO92/00068, WO92/02510, WO92/09278,WO9210179, WO92/10180, WO92/10186, WO92/10181, WO92/10097, WO92/10183,WO92/10182, WO92/10187, WO92/10184, WO92/10188, WO92/10180, WO92/10185,WO92/20651, WO93/03722, WO93/06828, WO93/03040, WO92/19211, WO92/22533,WO92/06081, WO92/05784, WO93/00341, WO92/04343, WO92/04059, U.S. Pat.No. 5,104,877, U.S. Pat. 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No.5,130,439, U.S. Pat. No. 5,045,540, U.S. Pat. No. 5,041,152, and U.S.Pat. No. 5,210,204, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and estersthereof; α/β adrenergic blockers such as nipradilol, arotinolol,amosulalol, bretylium tosylate (CAS RN: 61-75-6), dihydroergtaminemesylate (such asergotaman-3′,6′,18-trione,9,-10-dihydro-12′-hydroxy-2′-methyl-5′-(phenylmethyl)-,(5′(α))-, monomethanesulfonate, e.g., DHE 45® Injection, Novartis),carvedilol (such as(±)-1-(Carbazol-4-yloxy)-3-[[2-(o-methoxyphenoxy)ethyl]amino]-2-propanol,e.g., Coreg®, SmithKline Beecham), labetalol (such as5-[1-hydroxy-2-[(1-methyl-3-phenylpropyl)amino]ethyljsalicylamidemonohydrochloride, e.g., Normodyne®, Schering), bretylium tosylate(Benzenemethanaminium, 2-bromo-N-ethyl-N,N-dimethyl-, salt with4-methylbenzenesulfonic acid (1:1) CAS RN 61-75-6), phentolaminemesylate (Phenol,3-[[(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl](4-methylphenyl)amino]-,monomethanesulfonate (salt) CAS RN 65-28-1), solypertine tartrate(5H-1,3-Dioxolo[4,5-f]indole,7-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-,(2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate (1:1) CAS RN 5591-43-5), zolertinehydrochloride (piperazine, 1-phenyl4-[2-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)ethyl]-,monohydrochloride (8Cl, 9Cl) (CAS RN 7241-94-3) and the like; αadrenergic receptor blockers, such as alfuzosin (CAS RN: 81403-68-1),terazosin, urapidil, prazosin (Minipress®), tamsulosin, bunazosin,trimazosin, doxazosin, naftopidil, indoramin, WHP 164, XENO1O,fenspiride hydrochloride (which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 3,399,192), proroxan (CAS RN 33743-96-3), and labetalolhydrochloride and combinations thereof; α 2 agonists such as methyldopa,methyldopa HCL, lofexidine, tiamenidine, moxonidine, rilmenidine,guanobenz, and the like; aldosterone inhibitors, and the like; renininhibitors including Aliskiren (SPP1OO; Novartis/Speedel);angiopoietin-2-binding agents such as those disclosed in WO03/030833;anti-angina agents such as ranolazine (hydrochloride1-piperazineacetamide,N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-4-[2-hydroxy-3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)propyl]-,dihydrochloride CAS RN 95635-56-6), betaxolol hydrochloride (2-Propanol,1-[4-[2 (cyclopropylmethoxy)ethyl]phenoxy]-3-[(1-methylethyl)amino]-,hydrochloride CAS RN 63659-19-8), butoprozine hydrochloride (Methanone,[4-[3(dibutylamino)propoxy]phenyl](2-ethyl-3-indolizinyl)-,monohydrochloride CAS RN 62134-34-3), cinepazetmaleatel-Piperazineacetic acid,4-[1-oxo-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-propenyl]-, ethyl ester,(2Z)-2-butenedioate (1:1) CAS RN 50679-07-7), tosifen(Benzenesulfonamide,4-methyl-N-[[[(1S)-1-methyl-2-phenylethyl]amino]carbonyl]-CAS RN32295-84), verapamilhydrochloride (Benzeneacetonitrile,α-[3-[[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]methylamino]propyl]-3,4-dimethoxy-α-(1-methylethyl)-,monohydrochloride CAS RN 152-114), molsidomine (1,2,3-Oxadiazolium,5-[(ethoxycarbonyl)amino]-3-(4-morpholinyl)-, inner salt CAS RN25717-80-0), and ranolazine hydrochloride (1-piperazineacetamide,N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)₄-[2-hydroxy-3-(2-meth-oxyphenoxy)propyl]-,dihydrochloride CAS RN 95635-56-6); tosifen (Benzenesulfonamide,4-methyl-N-[[[(1S)-1-methyl-2-phenylethyl]amino]carbonyl]-CAS RN32295-184); adrenergic stimulants such as guanfacine hydrochloride (suchas N-amidino-2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)acetamide hydrochloride, e.g., Tenex®Tablets available from Robins); methyldopa-hydrochlorothiazide (such aslevo-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methylalanine) combined withHydrochlorothiazide (such as6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide1,1-dioxide, e.g. the combination as, e.g. Aldoril® Tablets availablefrom Merck), methyldopa-chlorothiazide (such as6-chloro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide 1,1-dioxide andmethyldopa as described above, e.g., Aldoclor®, Merck), clonidinehydrochloride (such as 2-(2,6-dichlorophenylamino)-2-imidazolinehydrochloride and chlorthalidone (such as2-chloro-5-(1-hydroxy-3-oxo-1-isoindolinyl)benzenesulfonamide), e.g.,Combipres®, Boehringer Ingelheim), clonidine hydrochloride (such as2-(2,6-dichlorophenylamino)-2-imidazoline hydrochloride, e.g.,Catapres®, Boehringer Ingelheim), clonidine (1H-Imidazol-2-amine,N-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)4,5-dihydro-CAS RN 4205-90-7), Hyzaar (Merck; acombination of losartan and hydrochlorothiazide), Co-Diovan (Novartis; acombination of valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide, Lotrel (Novartis; acombination of benazepril and amlodipine) and Caduet (Pfizer; acombination of amlodipine and atorvastatin), and those agents disclosedin US20030069221.

Agents for the Treatment of Respiratory Disorders

The GCRA peptides described herein can be used in combination therapywith one or more of the following agents useful in the treatment ofrespiratory and other disorders including but not limited to: (1)β-agonists including but not limited to: albuterol (PRO VENTIL®, S ALBUTAMO1®, VENTOLIN®), bambuterol, bitoterol, clenbuterol, fenoterol,formoterol, isoetharine (BRONKOSOL®, BRONKOMETER®), metaproterenol(ALUPENT®, METAPREL®), pirbuterol (MAXAIR®), reproterol, rimiterol,salmeterol, terbutaline (BRETHAIRE®, BRETHINE®, BRICANYL®), adrenalin,isoproterenol (ISUPREL®), epinephrine bitartrate (PRIMATENE®),ephedrine, orciprenline, fenoterol and isoetharine; (2) steroids,including but not limited to beclomethasone, beclomethasonedipropionate, betamethasone, budesonide, bunedoside, butixocort,dexamethasone, flunisolide, fluocortin, fluticasone, hydrocortisone,methyl prednisone, mometasone, predonisolone, predonisone, tipredane,tixocortal, triamcinolone, and triamcinolone acetonide (3)β2-agonist-corticosteroid combinations [e.g., salmeterol-fluticasone (ADV AIR®), formoterol-budesonid (S YMBICORT®)]; (4) leukotriene D4receptor antagonists/leukotriene antagonists/LTD4 antagonists (i.e., anycompound that is capable of blocking, inhibiting, reducing or otherwiseinterrupting the interaction between leukotrienes and the Cys LTIreceptor) including but not limited to: zatfhiukast, montelukast,montelukast sodium (SINGULAIR®), pranlukast, iralukast, pobilukast,SKB-106,203 and compounds described as having LTD4 antagonizing activitydescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,473; (5) 5-lipoxygenase inhibitorsand/or leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitors [e.g., zileuton and BAY1005(CA registry 128253-31-6)]; (6) histamine H1 receptorantagonists/antihistamines (i.e., any compound that is capable ofblocking, inhibiting, reducing or otherwise interrupting the interactionbetween histamine and its receptor) including but not limited to:astemizole, acrivastine, antazoline, azatadine, azelastine, astamizole,bromopheniramine, bromopheniramine maleate, carbinoxamine, carebastine,cetirizine, chlorpheniramine, chloropheniramine maleate, cimetidineclemastine, cyclizine, cyproheptadine, descarboethoxyloratadine,dexchlorpheniramine, dimethindene, diphenhydramine, diphenylpyraline,doxylamine succinate, doxylarnine, ebastine, efletirizine, epinastine,famotidine, fexofenadine, hydroxyzine, hydroxyzine, ketotifen,levocabastine, levocetirizine, levocetirizine, loratadine, meclizine,mepyramine, mequitazine, methdilazine, mianserin, mizolastine,noberastine, norasternizole, noraztemizole, phenindamine, pheniramine,picumast, promethazine, pynlamine, pyrilamine, ranitidine, temelastine,terfenadine, trimeprazine, tripelenamine, and triprolidine; (7) ananticholinergic including but not limited to: atropine, benztropine,biperiden, flutropium, hyoscyamine (e.g. Levsin®; Levbid®; Levsin/SL®,Anaspaz®®, Levsinex Timecaps®, NuLev®), ilutropium, ipratropium,ipratropium bromide, methscopolamine, oxybutinin, rispenzepine,scopolamine, and tiotropium; (8) an anti-tussive including but notlimited to: dextromethorphan, codeine, and hydromorphone; (9) adecongestant including but not limited to: pseudoephedrine andphenylpropanolamine; (10) an expectorant including but not limited to:guafenesin, guaicolsulfate, terpin, ammonium chloride, glycerolguaicolate, and iodinated glycerol; (11) a bronchodilator including butnot limited to: theophylline and aminophylline; (12) ananti-inflammatory including but not limited to: fluribiprofen,diclophenac, indomethacin, ketoprofen, S-ketroprophen, tenoxicam; (13) aPDE (phosphodiesterase) inhibitor including but not limited to thosedisclosed herein; (14) a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody [e.g.xolair (also called omalizumab), rhuMab, and talizumab]; (15) ahumanized lung surfactant including recombinant forms of surfactantproteins SP-B, SP-C or SP-D [e.g. SURFAXIN®, formerly known as dsc-104(Discovery Laboratories)], (16) agents that inhibit epithelial sodiumchannels (ENaC) such as amiloride and related compounds; (17)antimicrobial agents used to treat pulmonary infections such asacyclovir, amikacin, amoxicillin, doxycycline, trimethoprinsulfamethoxazole, amphotericin B, azithromycin, clarithromycin,roxithromycin, clarithromycin, cephalosporins (ceffoxitin, cefmetazoleetc), ciprofloxacin, ethambutol, gentimycin, ganciclovir, imipenem,isoniazid, itraconazole, penicillin, ribavirin, rifampin, rifabutin,amantadine, rimantidine, streptomycin, tobramycin, and vancomycin; (18)agents that activate chloride secretion through Ca++dependent chloridechannels (such as purinergic receptor (P2Y(2) agonists); (19) agentsthat decrease sputum viscosity, such as human recombinant DNase 1,(Pulmozyme®); (20) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (acemetacin,acetaminophen, acetyl salicylic acid, alclofenac, alminoprofen, apazone,aspirin, benoxaprofen, bezpiperylon, bucloxic acid, carprofen, clidanac,diclofenac, diclofenac, diflunisal, diflusinal, etodolac, fenbufen,fenbufen, fenclofenac, fenclozic acid, fenoprofen, fentiazac, feprazone,flufenamic acid, flufenisal, flufenisal, fluprofen, flurbiprofen,flurbiprofen, furofenac, ibufenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin,indomethacin, indoprofen, isoxepac, isoxicam, ketoprofen, ketoprofen,ketorolac, meclofenamic acid, meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid,mefenamic acid, miroprofen, mofebutazone, nabumetone oxaprozin,naproxen, naproxen, niflumic acid, oxaprozin, oxpinac, oxyphenbutazone,phenacetin, phenylbutazone, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, piroxicam,pirprofen, pranoprofen, sudoxicam, tenoxican, sulfasalazine, sulindac,sulindac, suprofen, tiaprofenic acid, tiopinac, tioxaprofen, tolfenamicacid, tolmetin, tolmetin, zidometacin, zomepirac, and zomepirac); and(21) aerosolized antioxidant therapeutics such as S-Nitrosoglutathione.

Anti-Obesity Agents

The GCRA peptides described herein can be used in combination therapywith an anti-obesity agent. Suitable such agents include, but are notlimited to: 1 1β HSD-I (11-beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase type 1)inhibitors, such as BVT 3498, BVT 2733,3-(1-adamantyl)-4-ethyl-5-(ethylthio)-4H-1,2,4-triazole,3-(1-adamantyl)-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-4-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole,3-adamantanyl-4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,3a-decahydro-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a][11]annulene, and those compounds disclosed in WO01/90091, WOO 1/90090,WOO 1/90092 and WO02/072084; 5HT antagonists such as those inWO03/037871, WO03/037887, and the like; 5HTIa modulators such ascarbidopa, benserazide and those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,699,WO03/031439, and the like; 5HT2c (serotonin receptor 2c) agonists, suchas BVT933, DPCA37215, IK264, PNU 22394, WAY161503, R-1065, SB 243213(Glaxo Smith Kline) and YM 348 and those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.3,914,250, WO00/77010, WO02/36596, WO02/48124, WO02/10169, WO01/66548,WO02/44152, WO02/51844, WO02/40456, and WO02/40457; 5HT6 receptormodulators, such as those in WO03/030901, WO03/035061, WO03/039547, andthe like; acyl-estrogens, such as oleoyl-estrone, disclosed in delMar-Grasa, M. et al, Obesity Research, 9:202-9 (2001) and JapanesePatent Application No. JP 2000256190; anorectic bicyclic compounds suchas 1426 (Aventis) and 1954 (Aventis), and the compounds disclosed inWO00/18749, WO01/32638, WO01/62746, WO01/62747, and WO03/015769; CB 1(cannabinoid-1 receptor) antagonist/inverse agonists such as rimonabant(Acomplia; Sanofi), SR-147778 (Sanofi), SR-141716 (Sanofi), BAY 65-2520(Bayer), and SLV 319 (Solvay), and those disclosed in patentpublications U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,587, U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,837, U.S. Pat.No. 5,081,122, U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,820, U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,736, U.S.Pat. No. 5,532,237, U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,941, U.S. Pat. No. 6,028,084,U.S. Pat. No. 6,509,367, U.S. Pat. No. 6,509,367, WO96/33159,WO97/29079, WO98/31227, WO98/33765, WO98/37061, WO98/41519, WO98/43635,WO98/43636, WO99/02499, WO00/10967, WO00/10968, WO01/09120, WO01/58869,WO01/64632, WO01/64633, WO01/64634, WO01/70700, WO01/96330, WO02/076949,WO03/006007, WO03/007887, WO03/020217, WO03/026647, WO03/026648,WO03/027069, WO03/027076, WO03/027114, WO03/037332, WO03/040107,WO03/086940, WO03/084943 and EP658546; CCK-A (cholecystokinin-A)agonists, such as AR-R 15849, GI 181771 (GSK), JMV-180, A-71378, A-71623and SR146131 (Sanofi), and those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,739,106;CNTF (Ciliary neurotrophic factors), such as GI-181771(Glaxo-SmithKline), SR146131 (Sanofi Synthelabo), butabindide, PD170,292, and PD 149164 (Pfizer); CNTF derivatives, such as Axokine®(Regeneron), and those disclosed in WO94/09134, WO98/22128, andWO99/43813; dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DP-IV) inhibitors, such asisoleucine thiazolidide, valine pyrrolidide, NVP-DPP728, LAF237, P93/01,P 3298, TSL 225 (tryptophyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylicacid; disclosed by Yamada et al, Bioorg. & Med. Chem. Lett. 8 (1998)1537-1540), TMC-2A/2B/2C, CD26 inhibitors, FE 999011, P9310/K364, VIP0177, SDZ 274-444, 2-cyanopyrrolidides and 4-cyanopyrrolidides asdisclosed by Ashworth et al. Bioorg. & Med. Chem. Lett., Vol. 6, No. 22,pp 1163-1166 and 2745-2748 (1996) and the compounds disclosed patentpublications. WO99/38501, WO99/46272, WO99/67279 (Probiodrug),WO99/67278 (Probiodrug), WO99/61431 (Probiodrug), WO02/083128,WO02/062764, WO03/000180, WO03/000181, WO03/000250, WO03/002530,WO03/002531, WO03/002553, WO03/002593, WO03/004498, WO03/004496,WO03/017936, WO03/024942, WO03/024965, WO03/033524, WO03/037327 andEP1258476: growth hormone secretagogue receptor agonists/antagonists,such as NN703, hexarelin, MK-0677 (Merck), SM-130686, CP-424391(Pfizer), LY 444,711 (Eli Lilly), L-692,429 and L-163,255, and such asthose disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 09/662,448, U.S. provisionalapplication 60/203,335, U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,951, US2002049196,US2002/022637, WO01/56592 and WO02/32888; H3 (histamine H-3)antagonist/inverse agonists, such as thioperamide,3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)propyl N-(4-pentenyl)carbamate), clobenpropit,iodophenpropit, imoproxifan, GT2394 (Gliatech), and A331440,O-[3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)propanol]carbamates (Kiec-Konononowicz, K. etal., Pharmazie, 55:349-55 (2000)), piperidine-containing histamineH3-receptor antagonists (Lazewska, D. et al., Pharmazie, 56:927-32(2001), benzophenone derivatives and related compounds (Sasse, A. etal., Arch. Pharm. (Weinheim) 334:45-52 (2001)), substitutedN-phenylcarbamates (Reidemeister, S. et al., Pharmazie, 55:83-6 (2000)),and proxifan derivatives (Sasse, A. et al., J. Med. Chem. 43:3335-43(2000)) and histamine H3 receptor modulators such as those disclosed inWO02/15905, WO03/024928 and WO03/024929; leptin derivatives, such asthose disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,552,524, U.S. Pat. No. 5,552,523,U.S. Pat. No. 5,552,522, U.S. Pat. No. 5,521,283, WO96/23513,WO96/23514, WO96/23515, WO96/23516, WO96/23517, WO96/23518, WO96/23519,and WO96/23520; leptin, including recombinant human leptin (PEG-OB,Hoffman La Roche) and recombinant methionyl human leptin (Amgen); lipaseinhibitors, such as tetrahydrolipstatin (orlistat/Xenical®), Triton WRI339, RHC80267, lipstatin, teasaponin, diethylumbelliferyl phosphate,FL-386, WAY-121898, Bay-N-3176, valilactone, esteracin, ebelactone A,ebelactone B, and RHC 80267, and those disclosed in patent publicationsWO01/77094, U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,089, U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,813, U.S. Pat.No. 5,512,565, U.S. Pat. No. 5,391,571, U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,151, U.S.Pat. No. 4,405,644, U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,438, and U.S. Pat. No.4,242,453; lipid metabolism modulators such as maslinic acid,erythrodiol, ursolic acid uvaol, betulinic acid, betulin, and the likeand compounds disclosed in WO03/011267; Mc4r (melanocortin 4 receptor)agonists, such as CHIR86036 (Chiron), ME-10142, ME-10145, and HS-131(Melacure), and those disclosed in PCT publication Nos. WO99/64002,WO00/74679, WOO 1/991752, WOO 1/25192, WOO 1/52880, WOO 1/74844, WOO1/70708, WO01/70337, WO01/91752, WO02/059095, WO02/059107, WO02/059108,WO02/059117, WO02/06276, WO02/12166, WO02/11715, WO02/12178, WO02/15909,WO02/38544, WO02/068387, WO02/068388, WO02/067869, WO02/081430,WO03/06604, WO03/007949, WO03/009847, WO03/009850, WO03/013509, andWO03/031410; Mc5r (melanocortin 5 receptor) modulators, such as thosedisclosed in WO97/19952, WO00/15826, WO00/15790, US20030092041;melanin-concentrating hormone 1 receptor (MCHR) antagonists, such asT-226296 (Takeda). SB 568849, SNP-7941 (Synaptic), and those disclosedin patent publications WOO 1/21169, WO01/82925, WO01/87834, WO02/051809,WO02/06245, WO02/076929, WO02/076947, WO02/04433, WO02/51809,WO02/083134, WO02/094799, WO03/004027, WO03/13574, WO03/15769,WO03/028641, WO03/035624, WO03/033476, WO03/033480, JP13226269, andJP1437059; mGluR5 modulators such as those disclosed in WO03/029210,WO03/047581, WO03/048137, WO03/051315, WO03/051833, WO03/053922,WO03/059904, and the like; serotoninergic agents, such as fenfluramine(such as Pondimin® (Benzeneethanamine,N-ethyl-alpha-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-, hydrochloride), Robbins),dexfenfluramine (such as Redux® (Benzeneethanamine,N-ethyl-alpha-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-, hydrochloride), Interneuron)and sibutramine ((Meridia®, Knoll/Reductil™) including racemic mixtures,as optically pure isomers (+) and (−), and pharmaceutically acceptablesalts, solvents, hydrates, clathrates and prodrugs thereof includingsibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate salts thereof, and those compoundsdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,680, U.S. Pat. No. 4,806,570, and U.S.Pat. No. 5,436,272, US20020006964, WOO 1/27068, and WOO 1/62341; NE(norepinephrine) transport inhibitors, such as GW 320659, despiramine,talsupram, and nomifensine; NPY 1 antagonists, such as BIBP3226,J-115814, BIBO 3304, LY-357897, CP-671906, GI-264879A, and thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,836, WO96/14307, WO01/23387,WO99/51600, WO01/85690, WO01/85098, WO01/85173, and WO01/89528; NPY5(neuropeptide Y Y5) antagonists, such as 152,804, GW-569180A,GW-594884A, GW-587081X, GW-548118X, FR235208, FR226928, FR240662,FR252384, 1229U91, GI-264879A, CGP71683A, LY-377897, LY-366377,PD-160170, SR-120562A, SR-120819A, JCF-104, and H409/22 and thosecompounds disclosed in patent publications U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,354, U.S.Pat. No. 6,191,160, U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,408, U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,837.U.S. Pat. No. 6,313,298, U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,375, U.S. Pat. No.6,329,395, U.S. Pat. No. 6,335,345, U.S. Pat. No. 6,337,332, U.S. Pat.No. 6,329,395, U.S. Pat. No. 6,340,683, EP01010691, EP-01044970,WO97/19682, WO97/20820, WO97/20821, WO97/20822, WO97/20823, WO98/27063,WO00/107409, WO00/185714, WO00/185730, WO00/64880, WO00/68197,WO00/69849, WO/0113917, WO01/09120, WO01/14376, WO01/85714, WO01/85730,WO01/07409, WO01/02379, WO01/23388, WO01/23389, WOO 1/44201, WO01/62737,WO01/62738, WO01/09120, WO02/20488, WO02/22592, WO02/48152, WO02/49648,WO02/051806, WO02/094789, WO03/009845, WO03/014083, WO03/022849,WO03/028726 and Norman et al, J. Med. Chem. 43:4288-4312 (2000); opioidantagonists, such as nalmefene (REVEX®), 3-methoxynaltrexone,methylnaltrexone, naloxone, and naltrexone (e.g. PT901; PainTherapeutics, Inc.) and those disclosed in US20050004155 and WO00/21509;orexin antagonists, such as SB-334867-A and those disclosed in patentpublications WO01/96302, WO01/68609, WO02/44172, WO02/51232, WO02/51838,WO02/089800, WO02/090355, WO03/023561, WO03/032991, and WO03/037847; PDEinhibitors (e.g. compounds which slow the degradation of cyclic AMP(cAMP) and/or cyclic GMP (cGMP) by inhibition of the phosphodiesterases,which can lead to a relative increase in the intracellular concentrationof cAMP and cGMP; possible PDE inhibitors are primarily those substanceswhich are to be numbered among the class consisting of the PDE3inhibitors, the class consisting of the PDE4 inhibitors and/or the classconsisting of the PDE5 inhibitors, in particular those substances whichcan be designated as mixed types of PDE3/4 inhibitors or as mixed typesof PDE3/4/5 inhibitors) such as those disclosed in patent publicationsDE1470341, DE2108438, DE2123328, DE2305339, DE2305575, DE2315801,DE2402908, DE2413935, DE2451417, DE2459090, DE2646469, DE2727481,DE2825048, DE 2837161, DE2845220, DE2847621, DE2934747, DE3021792,DE3038166, DE13044568, EP000718, EP0008408, EP0010759, EP0059948,EP0075436, EP0096517, EPO1 12987, EPO1 16948, EP0150937, EP0158380,EP0161632, EP0161918, EP0167121, EP0199127, EP0220044, EP0247725,EP0258191, EP0272910, EP0272914, EP0294647, EP0300726, EP0335386,EP0357788, EP0389282, EP0406958, EP0426180, EP0428302, EP0435811,EP0470805, EP0482208, EP0490823, EP0506194, EP0511865, EP0527117,EP0626939, EP0664289, EP0671389, EP0685474, EP0685475, EP0685479,JP92234389, JP94329652, JP95010875, U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,561, U.S. Pat.No. 5,141,931, WO9117991, WO9200968, WO9212961, WO9307146, WO9315044,WO9315045, WO9318024, WO9319068, WO9319720, WO9319747, WO9319749,WO9319751, WO9325517, WO9402465, WO9406423, WO9412461, WO9420455,WO9422852, WO9425437, WO9427947, WO9500516, WO9501980, WO9503794,WO9504045, WO9504046, WO9505386, WO9508534, WO9509623, WO9509624,WO9509627, WO9509836, WO9514667, WO9514680, WO9514681, WO9517392,WO9517399, WO9519362, WO9522520, WO9524381, WO9527692, WO9528926,WO9535281, WO9535282, WO9600218, WO9601825, WO9602541, WO9611917,DE3142982, DE1 116676, DE2162096, EP0293063, EP0463756, EP0482208,EP0579496, EP0667345 U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,543, US20050004222 (includingthose disclosed in formulas I-XIII and paragraphs 37-39, 85-0545 and557-577), WO9307124, EP0163965, EP0393500, EP0510562, EP0553174,WO9501338 and WO9603399, as well as PDE5 inhibitors (such as RX-RA-69,SCH-51866, KT-734, vesnarinone, zaprinast, SKF-96231, ER-21355,BF/GP-385, NM-702 and sildenafil (Viagra™)), PDE4 inhibitors (such asetazolate, ICI63197, RP73401, imazolidinone (RO-20-1724), MEM 1414(R1533/R500; Pharmacia Roche), denbufylline, rolipram, oxagrelate,nitraquazone, Y-590, DH-6471, SKF-94120, motapizone, lixazinone,indolidan, olprinone, atizoram, KS-506-G, dipamfylline, BMY-43351,atizoram, arofylline, filaminast, PDB-093, UCB-29646, CDP-840,SKF-107806, piclamilast, RS-17597, RS-25344-000, SB-207499, TIBENELAST,SB-210667, SB-211572, SB-211600, SB-212066, SB-212179, GW-3600, CDP-840,mopidamol, anagrelide, ibudilast, amrinone, pimobendan, cilostazol,quazinone andN-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopropylmethoxy4-difluoromethoxybenzamide,PDE3 inhibitors (such as ICI153, 100, bemorandane (RWJ 22867), MCI-154,UD-CG 212, sulmazole, ampizone, cilostamide, carbazeran, piroximone,imazodan, CI-930, siguazodan, adibendan, saterinone, SKF-95654,SDZ-MKS-492, 349-U-85, emoradan, EMD-53998, EMD-57033, NSP-306, NSP-307,revizinone, NM-702, WIN-62582 and WIN-63291, enoximone and milrinone,PDE3/4 inhibitors (such as benafentrine, trequinsin, ORG-30029,zardaverine, L-686398, SDZ-ISQ-844, ORG-20241, EMD-54622, andtolafentrine) and other PDE inhibitors (such as vinpocetin, papaverine,enprofylline, cilomilast, fenoximone, pentoxifylline, roflumilast,tadalafil (Cialis®), theophylline, and vardenafil(Levitra®);Neuropeptide Y2 (NPY2) agonists include but are not limited to:polypeptide YY and fragments and variants thereof (e.g. YY3-36 (PYY3-36)(N. Engl. J. Med. 349:941, 2003; IKPEAPGE DASPEELNRY YASLRHYLNL VTRQRY(SEQ ID NO:19)) and PYY agonists such as those disclosed in WO02/47712,WO03/026591, WO03/057235, and WO03/027637; serotonin reuptakeinhibitors, such as, paroxetine, fluoxetine (Prozac™), fluvoxamine,sertraline, citalopram, and imipramine, and those disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,162,805, U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,633, WO03/00663, WOO 1/27060, and WOO1/162341; thyroid hormone β agonists, such as KB-2611 (KaroBioBMS), andthose disclosed in WO02/15845, WO97/21993, WO99/00353, GB98/284425, U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/183,223, and Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. JP 2000256190; UCP-I (uncoupling protein-1), 2, or 3 activators,such as phytanic acid,4-[(E)-2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-napthalenyl)-1-propenyl]benzoicacid (TTNPB), retinoic acid, and those disclosed in WO99/00123; β3 (betaadrenergic receptor 3) agonists, such as AJ9677/TAK677(Dainippon/Takeda), L750355 (Merck), CP331648 (Pfizer), CL-316,243, SB418790, BRL-37344, L-796568, BMS-196085, BRL-35135A, CGP12177A, BTA-243,GW 427353, Trecadrine, Zeneca D7114, N-5984 (Nisshin Kyorin), LY-377604(Lilly), SR 59119A, and those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,541,204, U.S.Pat. No. 5,770,615, U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,134, U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,983,U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,515, U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,677, WO94/18161,WO95/29159, WO97/46556, WO98/04526 and WO98/32753, WO01/74782,WO02/32897, WO03/014113, WO03/016276, WO03/016307, WO03/024948,WO03/024953 and WO03/037881; noradrenergic agents including, but notlimited to, diethylpropion (such as Tenuate® (1-propanone,2-(diethylamino)-1-phenyl-, hydrochloride), Merrell), dextroamphetamine(also known as dextroamphetamine sulfate, dexamphetamine, dexedrine,Dexampex, Ferndex, Oxydess II, Robese, Spancap #1), mazindol ((or5-(p-chlorophenyl)-2,5-dihydro-3H-imidazo[2,1-a]isoindol-5-ol) such asSanorex®, Novartis or Mazanor®, Wyeth Ayerst), phenylpropanolamrine (orBenzenemethanol, alpha-(1-aminoethyl)-, hydrochloride), phentermine ((orPhenol, 3-[[4,5-duhydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)ethyl](4-methylpheny-1)amino],monohydrochloride) such as Adipex-P®, Lemmon, FASTIN®, Smith-KlineBeecham and Ionamin®, Medeva), phendimetrazine ((or(2S,3S)-3,4-Dimethyl-2phenylmorpholine L-(+)-tartrate (1:1)) such asMetra® (Forest), Plegine® (Wyeth-Ayerst), Prelu-2® (BoehringerIngelheim), and Statobex® (Lemmon), phendamine tartrate (such asThephorin®(2,3,4,9-Tetrahydro-2-methyl-9-phenyl-1H-indenol[2,1-c]pyridineL-(+)-tartrate (1:1)), Hoffmann-LaRoche), methamphetamine (such asDesoxyn®, Abbot ((S)—N, (alpha)-dimethylbenzeneethanaminehydrochloride)), and phendimetrazine tartrate (such as Bontril®Slow-Release Capsules, Amarin (-3,4-Dimethyl-2-phenylmorpholineTartrate); fatty acid oxidation upregulator/inducers such as Famnoxin®(Genset); monamine oxidase inhibitors including but not limited tobefloxatone, moclobemide, brofaromine, phenoxathine, esuprone, befol,toloxatone, pirlindol, amniflamine, sercloremine, bazinaprine,lazabemide, milacemide, caroxazone and other certain compounds asdisclosed by WO01/12176; and other anti-obesity agents such as 5HT-2agonists, ACC (acetyl-CoA carboxylase) inhibitors such as thosedescribed in WO03/072197, alpha-lipoic acid (alpha-LA), AOD9604,appetite suppressants such as those in WO03/40107, ATL-962 (AlizymePLC), benzocaine, benzphetamine hydrochloride (Didrex), bladderwrack(focus vesiculosus), BRS3 (bombesin receptor subtype 3) agonists,bupropion, caffeine, CCK agonists, chitosan, chromium, conjugatedlinoleic acid, corticotropin-releasing hormone agonists,dehydroepiandrosterone, DGAT1 (diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1)inhibitors, DGAT2 (diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2) inhibitors,dicarboxylate transporter inhibitors, ephedra, exendin-4 (an inhibitorof glp-1) FAS (fatty acid synthase) inhibitors (such as Cerulenin andC75), fat resorption inhibitors (such as those in WO03/053451, and thelike), fatty acid transporter inhibitors, natural water soluble fibers(such as psyllium, plantago, guar, oat, pectin), galanin antagonists,galega (Goat's Rue, French Lilac), garcinia cambogia, germander(teucrium chamaedrys), ghrelin antibodies and ghrelin antagonists (suchas those disclosed in WO01/87335, and WO02/08250), polypeptide hormonesand variants thereof which affect the islet cell secretion, such as thehormones of the secretin/gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP)/vasoactiveintestinal polypeptide (VIP)/pituitary adenylate cyclase activatingpolypeptide (PACAP)/glucagon-like polypeptide II(GLP-II)/glicentin/glucagon gene family and/or those of theadrenornedullin/amylin/calcitonin gene related polypeptide (CGRP) genefamily including GLP-1 (glucagon-like polypeptide 1) agonists (e.g. (1)exendin-4, (2) those GLP-I molecules described in US20050130891including GLP-1(7-34), GLP-1(7-35), GLP-1(7-36) or GLP-1(7-37) in itsC-terminally carboxylated or amidated form or as modified GLP-Ipolypeptides and modifications thereof including those described inparagraphs 17-44 of US20050130891, and derivatives derived fromGLP-1-(7-34)COOH and the corresponding acid amide are employed whichhave the following general formula:R—NH-HAEGTFTSDVSYLEGQAAKEFIAWLVK-CONH₂ (SEQ ID NO: 20) wherein R=H or anorganic compound having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Preferably, R is theresidue of a carboxylic acid. Particularly preferred are the followingcarboxylic acid residues: formyl, acetyl, propionyl, isopropionyl,methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl.) andglp-1 (glucagon-like polypeptide-1), glucocorticoid antagonists, glucosetransporter inhibitors, growth hormone secretagogues (such as thosedisclosed and specifically described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,716),interleukin-6 (IL-6) and modulators thereof (as in WO03/057237, and thelike), L-carnitine, Mc3r (melanocortin 3 receptor) agonists, MCH2R(melanin concentrating hormone 2R) agonist/antagonists, melaninconcentrating hormone antagonists, melanocortin agonists (such asMelanotan II or those described in WO 99/64002 and WO 00/74679), nomameherba, phosphate transporter inhibitors, phytopharm compound 57 (CP644,673), pyruvate, SCD-I (stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1) inhibitors, T71(Tularik, Inc., Boulder Colo.), Topiramate (Topimax®, indicated as ananti-convulsant which has been shown to increase weight loss),transcription factor modulators (such as those disclosed inWO03/026576), β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase-1 inhibitors (β-HSD-I),β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, p57 (Pfizer), Zonisamide (Zonegran™,indicated as an anti-epileptic which has been shown to lead to weightloss), and the agents disclosed in US20030119428 paragraphs 20-26.

Anti-Diabetic Agents

The GCRA peptides described herein can be used in therapeuticcombination with one or more anti-diabetic agents, including but notlimited to: PPARγ agonists such as glitazones (e.g., WAY-120,744. AD5075, balaglitazone, ciglitazone, darglitazone (CP-86325, Pfizer),englitazone (CP-68722, Pfizer), isaglitazone (MIT/J&J), MCC-555(Mitsibishi disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,016), pioglitazone (such assuch as Actos™ pioglitazone; Takeda), rosiglitazone (Avandia™; SmithKline Beecham), rosiglitazone maleate, troglitazone (Rezulin®, disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,572,912), rivoglitazone (CS-O1 1, Sankyo), GL-262570(Glaxo Welcome), BRL49653 (disclosed in WO98/05331), CLX-0921, 5-BTZD,GW-0207, LG-100641, JJT-501 (JPNT/P&U), L-895645 (Merck), R-119702(Sankyo/Pfizer), N,N-2344 (Dr. Reddy/NN), YM-440 (Yamanouchi),LY-300512, LY-519818, R483 (Roche), T131 (Tularik), and the like andcompounds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,777, U.S. Pat. No. 5,002,953,U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,803, U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,584, U.S. Pat. No.6,150,383, U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,384, U.S. Pat. No. 6,166,042, U.S. Pat.No. 6,166,043, U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,090, U.S. Pat. No. 6,211,205, U.S.Pat. No. 6,271,243, U.S. Pat. No. 6,288,095, U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,640,U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,404, U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,554, WO97/10813,WO97/27857, WO97/28115, WO97/28137, WO97/27847, WO00/76488, WO03/000685,WO03/027112, WO03/035602, WO03/048130, WO03/055867, and pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof; biguanides such as metformin hydrochloride(N,N-dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide hydrochloride, such asGlucophage™, Bristol-Myers Squibb); metformin hydrochloride withglyburide, such as Glucovance™, Bristol-Myers Squibb): buformin(Imidodicarbonimidic diamide, N-butyl-); etoformine(1-Butyl-2-ethylbiguanide, Schering A. G.); other metformin salt forms(including where the salt is chosen from the group of, acetate,benzoate, citrate, ftimarate, embonate, chlorophenoxyacetate, glycolate,palmoate, aspartate, methanesulphonate, maleate,parachlorophenoxyisobutyrate, formate, lactate, succinate, sulphate,tartrate, cyclohexanecarboxylate, hexanoate, octanoate, decanoate,hexadecanoate, octodecanoate, benzenesulphonate, trimethoxybenzoate,paratoluenesulphonate, adamantanecarboxylate, glycoxylate, glutarnate,pyrrolidonecarboxylate, naphthalenesulphonate, 1-glucosephosphate,nitrate, sulphite, dithionate and phosphate), and phenformin; proteintyrosine phosphatase-IB (PTP-IB) inhibitors, such as A-401,674, KR61639, OC-060062, OC-83839, OC-297962, MC52445, MC52453, ISIS 113715,and those disclosed in WO99/585521, WO99/58518, WO99/58522, WO99/61435,WO03/032916, WO03/032982, WO03/041729, WO03/055883, WO02/26707,WO02/26743, JP2002114768, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts andesters thereof; sulfonylureas such as acetohexamide (e.g. Dymelor, EliLilly), carbutamide, chlorpropamide (e.g. Diabinese®, Pfizer),gliamilide (Pfizer), gliclazide (e.g. Diamcron, Servier Canada Inc),glimepiride (e.g. disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,379,785, such as Amaryl,Aventis), glipentide, glipizide (e.g. Glucotrol or Glucotrol XLEtxtended Release, Pfizer), gliquidone, glisolamide,glyburide/glibenclamide (e.g. Micronase or Glynase Prestab. Pharmacia &Upjohn and Diabeta, Aventis), tolazamide (e.g. Tolinase), andtolbutamide (e.g. Orinase), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts andesters thereof; meglitinides such as repaglinide (e.g. Pranidin®, NovoNordisk), KAD1229 (PF/Kissei), and nateglinide (e.g. Starlix®,Novartis), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof; αglucoside hydrolase inhibitors (or glucoside inhibitors) such asacarbose (e.g. Precose™, Bayer disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,904,769),miglitol (such as GLYSET™, Pharmacia & Upjohn disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,639,436), camiglibose (Methyl6-deoxy-6-[(2R,3R,4R,5S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)piperidino]-alpha-D-glucopyranoside,Marion Merrell Dow), voglibose (Takeda), adiposine, emiglitate,pradimicin-Q, salbostatin, CKD-711, MDL-25,637, MDL-73,945, and MOR 14,and the compounds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,950, U.S. Pat. No.4,174,439, U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,256, U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,559, U.S. Pat.No. 4,639,436, U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,772, U.S. Pat. No. 4,634,765, U.S.Pat. No. 5,157,116, U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,078, U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,418,U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,877, and WO 01/47528 (polyamines); α-amylaseinhibitors such as tendamistat, trestatin, and A1-3688, and thecompounds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,451,455, U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,714,and U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,765; SGLT2 inhibtors including those disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,414,126 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,515,117; an aP2 inhibitorsuch as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,548,529; insulin secreatagoguessuch as linogliride, A-4166, forskilin, dibutyrl cAMP,isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts andesters thereof, fatty acid oxidation inhibitors, such as clornoxir, andetomoxir, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof; A2antagonists, such as midaglizole, isaglidole, deriglidole, idazoxan,earoxan, and fluparoxan, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts andesters thereof; insulin and related compounds (e.g. insulin mimetics)such as biota, LP-100, novarapid, insulin detemir, insulin lispro,insulin glargine, insulin zinc suspension (lente and ultralente),Lys-Pro insulin, GLP-I (1-36) amide, GLP-I (73-7) (insulintropin,disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,492), LY-315902 (Lilly), GLP-I(7-36)-NH2), AL-401 (Autoimmune), certain compositions as disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 4,579,730, U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,405, U.S. Pat. No.4,963,526, U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,868, U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,396, U.S. Pat.No. 5,824,638, U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,866, U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,632, U.S.Pat. No. 6,191,105, and WO 85/05029, and primate, rodent, or rabbitinsulin including biologically active variants thereof including allelicvariants, more preferably human insulin available in recombinant form(sources of human insulin include pharmaceutically acceptable andsterile formulations such as those available from Eli Lilly(Indianapolis, Ind. 46285) as Humulin™ (human insulin rDNA origin), alsosee the THE PHYSICIAN'S DESK REFERENCE, 55.sup.th Ed. (2001) MedicalEconomics, Thomson Healthcare (disclosing other suitable humaninsulins); non-thiazolidinediones such as JT-501 and farglitazar(GW-2570/GI-262579), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and estersthereof; PPARα/γ dual agonists such as AR-HO39242 (Aztrazeneca),GW-409544 (Glaxo-Wellcome), BVT-142, CLX-0940, GW-1536, GW-1929,GW-2433, KRP-297 (Kyorin Merck; 5-[(2,4-Dioxothiazolidinyl)methyl]methoxy-N-[[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]benzamide),L-796449, LIR-90, MK-0767 (Merck/Kyorin/Banyu), SB 219994, muraglitazar(BMS), tesaglitzar (Astrazeneca), reglitazar (JTT-501) and thosedisclosed in WO99/16758, WO99/19313, WO99/20614, WO99/38850, WO00/23415,WO00/23417, WO00/23445, WO00/50414, WO01/00579, WO01/79150, WO02/062799,WO03/004458, WO03/016265, WO03/018010, WO03/033481, WO03/033450,WO03/033453, WO03/043985, WO 31053976, U.S. application Ser. No.09/664,598, filed Sep. 18, 2000, Murakami et al. Diabetes 47, 1841-1847(1998), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof; otherinsulin sensitizing drugs; VPAC2 receptor agonists; GLK modulators, suchas those disclosed in WO03/015774; retinoid modulators such as thosedisclosed in WO03/000249; GSK 3β/GSK 3 inhibitors such as4-[2-(2-bromophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl]pyridine andthose compounds disclosed in WO03/024447, WO03/037869, WO03/037877,WO03/037891, WO03/068773, EP1295884, EP1295885, and the like; glycogenphosphorylase (HGLPa) inhibitors such as CP-368,296, CP-316,819,BAYR3401, and compounds disclosed in WOO 1/94300, WO02/20530,WO03/037864, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters thereof:ATP consumption promotors such as those disclosed in WO03/007990; TRB3inhibitors; vanilloid receptor ligands such as those disclosed inWO03/049702; hypoglycemic agents such as those disclosed in WO03/015781and WO03/040114; glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitors such as thosedisclosed in WO03/035663 agents such as those disclosed in WO99/51225,US20030134890, WO01/24786, and WO03/059870; insulin-responsive DNAbinding protein-1 (IRDBP-1) as disclosed in WO03/057827, and the like;adenosine A2 antagonists such as those disclosed in WO03/035639,WO03/035640, and the like; PPARδ agonists such as GW 501516, GW 590735,and compounds disclosed in JP10237049 and WO02/14291; dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DP-IV) inhibitors, such as isoleucine thiazolidide,NVP-DPP728A(1-[[[2-[(5-cyanopyridin-2-yl)amino]ethyl]amino]acetyl]-2-cyano-(S)-pyrrolidine,disclosed by Hughes et al, Biochemistry, 38(36), 11597-11603, 1999),P32/98, NVP-LAF-237, P3298, TSL225(tryptophyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid, disclosedby Yamada et al, Bioorg. & Med. Chem. Lett. 8 (1998) 1537-1540), valinepyrrolidide, TMC-2A/2B/2C, CD-26 inhibitors, FE999011, P9310/K364, VIP0177, DPP4, SDZ 274-444, 2-cyanopyrrolidides and 4-cyanopyrrolidides asdisclosed by Ashworth et al, Bioorg. & Med. Chem. Lett., Vol. 6, No. 22,pp 1163-1166 and 2745-2748 (1996), and the compounds disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,395,767, U.S. Pat. No. 6,573,287, U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,767(compounds disclosed include BMS-477118, BMS-471211 and BMS 538,305),WO99/38501, WO99/46272, WO99/67279, WO99/67278, WO99/61431WO03/004498,WO03/004496, EP1258476, WO2/083128, WO02/062764, WO03/000250,WO03/002530, WO03/002531, WO03/002553, WO03/00259, WO03/000180, andWO03/000181; GLP-I agonists such as exendin-3 and exendin-4 (includingthe 39 aa polypeptide synthetic exendin-4 called Exenatide®)), andcompounds disclosed in US2003087821 and NZ 504256, and pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts and esters thereof; peptides including amlintide andSymlin® (pramlintide acetate); and glycokinase activators such as thosedisclosed in US2002103199 (fused heteroaromnatic compounds) andWO02/48106 (isoindolin-1-one-substituted propionamide compounds).

Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors

The GCRA peptides described herein can be used in combination therapywith a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. PDE inhibitors are those compoundswhich slow the degradation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and/or cyclic GMP (cGMP)by inhibition of the phosphodiesterases, which can lead to a relativeincrease in the intracellular concentration of c AMP and/or cGMP.Possible PDE inhibitors are primarily those substances which are to benumbered among the class consisting of the PDE3 inhibitors, the classconsisting of the PDE4 inhibitors and/or the class consisting of thePDE5 inhibitors, in particular those substances which can be designatedas mixed types of PDE3/4 inhibitors or as mixed types of PDE3/4/5inhibitors. By way of example, those PDE inhibitors may be mentionedsuch as are described and/or claimed in the following patentapplications and patents: DE1470341, DE2108438, DE2123328, DE2305339,DE2305575, DE2315801, DE2402908, DE2413935, DE2451417, DE2459090,DE2646469, DE2727481, DE2825048, DE2837161, DE2845220, DE2847621,DE2934747, DE3021792, DE3038166, DE3044568, EP000718, EP0008408,EP0010759, EP0059948, EP0075436, EP0096517, EPO1 12987, EPO1 16948,EP0150937, EP0158380, EP0161632, EP0161918, EP0167121, EP0199127,EP0220044, EP0247725, EP0258191, EP0272910, EP0272914, EP0294647,EP0300726, EP0335386, EP0357788, EP0389282, EP0406958, EP0426180,EP0428302, EP0435811, EP0470805, EP0482208, EP0490823, EP0506194,EP0511865, EP0527117, EP0626939, EP0664289, EP0671389, EP0685474,EP0685475, EP0685479, JP92234389, JP94329652, JP95010875, U.S. Pat. Nos.4,963,561, 5,141,931, WO9117991, WO9200968, WO9212961, WO9307146,WO9315044, WO9315045, WO9318024, WO9319068, WO9319720, WO9319747,WO9319749, WO9319751, WO9325517, WO9402465, WO9406423, WO9412461,WO9420455, WO9422852, WO9425437, WO9427947, WO9500516, WO9501980,WO9503794, WO9504045, WO9504046, WO9505386, WO9508534, WO9509623,WO9509624, WO9509627, WO9509836, WO9514667, WO9514680, WO9514681,WO9517392, WO9517399, WO9519362, WO9522520, WO9524381, WO9527692,WO9528926, WO9535281, WO9535282, WO9600218, WO9601825, WO9602541,WO9611917, DE3142982, DE1 116676, DE2162096, EP0293063, EP0463756,EP0482208, EP0579496, EP0667345 U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,543, US20050004222(including those disclosed in formulas I-XIII and paragraphs 37-39,85-0545 and 557-577) and WO9307124, EP0163965, EP0393500, EP0510562,EP0553174, WO9501338 and WO9603399. PDE5 inhibitors which may bementioned by way of example are RX-RA-69, SCH-51866, KT-734,vesnarinone, zaprinast, SKF-96231, ER-21355, BF/GP-385, NM-702 andsildenafil (Viagra®). PDE4 inhibitors which may be mentioned by way ofexample are RO-20-1724, MEM 1414 (R1533/R1500; Pharmacia Roche),DENBUFYLLINE, ROLIPRAM, OXAGRELATE, NITRAQUAZONE, Y-590, DH-6471,SKF-94120, MOTAPIZONE, LIXAZINONE, INDOLIDAN, OLPRINONE, ATIZORAM,KS-506-G, DIPAMFYLLINE, BMY-43351, ATIZORAM, AROFYLLINE, FILAMINAST,PDB-093, UCB-29646, CDP-840, SKF-107806, PICLAMILAST, RS-17597,RS-25344-000, SB-207499, TIBENELAST, SB-210667, SB-211572, SB-211600,SB-212066, SB-212179, GW-3600, CDP-840, MOPIDAMOL, ANAGRELIDE,IBUDILAST, AMRINONE, PIMOBENDAN, CILOSTAZOL, QUAZINONE andN-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopropylmethoxy4-difluoromethoxybenzamide.PDE3 inhibitors which may be mentioned by way of example are SULMAZOLE,AMPIZONE, CILOSTAMIDE, CARBAZERAN, PIROXINMONE, IMAZODAN, CI-930,SIGUAZODAN, ADIBENDAN, SATERINONE, SKF-95654, SDZ-MKS-492, 349-U-85,EMORADAN, EMD-53998, EMD-57033, NSP-306, NSP-307, REVIZINONE, NM-702,WIN-62582 and WIN-63291, ENOXIMONE and MILRINONE. PDE3/4 inhibitorswhich may be mentioned by way of example are BENAFENTRINE, TREQUINSIN,ORG-30029, ZARDAVERINE, L-686398, SDZ-ISQ-844, ORG-20241, EMD-54622, andTOLAFENTRINE. Other PDE inhibitors include: cilomilast, pentoxifylline,roflurnilast, tadalafil(Clalis®), theophylline, andvardenafil(Levitra®), zaprinast (PDE5 specific).

Anti-Uterine Contractions Agents

The GCRA peptides described herein can be used in combination therapy(for example, in order to decrease or inhibit uterine contractions) witha tocolytic agent including but not limited to beta-adrenergic agents,magnesium sulfate, prostaglandin inhibitors, and calcium channelblockers.

Anti-Neoplastic Agents

The GCRA peptides described herein can be used in combination therapywith an antineoplastic agents including but not limited to alkylatingagents, epipodophyllotoxins, nitrosoureas, antimetabolites, vincaalkaloids, anthracycline antibiotics, nitrogen mustard agents, and thelike. Particular anti-neoplastic agents may include tamoxifen, taxoetoposide and 5-fluorouracil.

The GCRA peptides described herein can be used in combination therapy(for example as in a chemotherapeutic composition) with an antiviral andmonoclonal antibody therapies.

Agents to Treat Congestive Heart Failure

The GCRA peptides described herein can be used in combination therapy(for example, in prevention/treatment of congestive heart failure oranother method described herein) with the partial agonist of thenociceptin receptor ORL1 described by Dooley et al. (The Journal ofPharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 283 (2): 735-741, 1997). Theagonist is a hexapeptide having the amino acid sequence Ac-RYY (RK) (WI)(RK)-N-H2 (SEQ ID NO: 21) (“the Dooley polypeptide”), where the bracketsshow allowable variation of amino acid residue. Thus Dooley polypeptidecan include but are not limited to KYYRWR (SEQ ID NO: 22), RYYRWR (SEQID NO: 23), KWRYYR (SEQ ID NO: 24), RYYRWK (SEQ ID NO: 25), RYYRWK(all-D amin acids) (SEQ ID NO: 26), RYYRIK (SEQ ID NO: 27), RYYRIR (SEQID NO: 28), RYYKIK (SEQ ID NO: 29), RYYKIR (SEQ ID NO: 30), RYYKWR (SEQID NO: 31), RYYKWK (SEQ ID NC): 32), RYYRWR (SEQ ID NO: 33), RYYRWK (SEQID NO: 25), RYYRIK (SEQ ID NO: 27), RYYKWR (SEQ ID NO: 31), RYYKWK (SEQID NO: 32), RYYRWK (SEQ ID NO: 25) and KYYRWK (SEQ ID NO: 34), whereinthe amino acid residues are in the L-form unless otherwise specified.The GCRA peptides described herein can also be used in combinationtherapy with polypeptide conjugate modifications of the Dooleypolypeptide described in WO0198324.

Dosage

Dosage levels of active ingredients in a pharmaceutical composition canalso be varied so as to achieve a transient or sustained concentrationof the compound in a subject, especially in and around the site ofinflammation or disease area, and to result in the desired response. Itis well within the skill of the art to start doses of the compound atlevels lower than required to achieve the desired effect and togradually increase the dosage until the desired effect is achieved. Itwill be understood that the specific dose level for any particularsubject will depend on a variety of factors, including body weight,general health, diet, natural history of disease, route and schedulingof administration, combination with one or more other drugs, andseverity of disease.

An effective dosage of the composition will typically be between about 1μg and about 10 mg per kilogram body weight, preferably between about 10μg to 5 mg of the compound per kilogram body weight. Adjustments indosage will be made using methods that are routine in the art and willbe based upon the particular composition being used and clinicalconsiderations.

The guanylate cyclase receptor agonists used in the methods describedabove may be administered orally, systemically or locally. Dosage formsinclude preparations for inhalation or injection, solutions,suspensions, emulsions, tablets, capsules, topical salves and lotions,transdermal compositions, other known peptide formulations and pegylatedpeptide analogs. Agonists may be administered as either the sole activeagent or in combination with other drugs, e.g., an inhibitor ofcGMP-dependent phosphodiesterase and anti-inflammatory agent. In allcases, additional drugs should be administered at a dosage that istherapeutically effective using the existing art as a guide. Drugs maybe administered in a single composition or sequentially.

Dosage levels of the GCR agonist for use in methods of this inventiontypically are from about 0.001 mg to about 10,000 mg daily, preferablyfrom about 0.005 mg to about 1,000 mg daily. On the basis of mg/kg dailydose, either given in single or divided doses, dosages typically rangefrom about 0.001/75 mg/kg to about 10,000/75 mg/kg, preferably fromabout 0.005/75 mg/kg to about 1,000/75 mg/kg.

The total daily dose of each inhibitor can be administered to thepatient in a single dose, or in multiple subdoses. Typically, subdosescan be administered two to six times per day, preferably two to fourtimes per day, and even more preferably two to three times per day.Doses can be in immediate release form or sustained release formsufficiently effective to obtain the desired control over the medicalcondition.

The dosage regimen to prevent, treat, give relief from, or ameliorate amedical condition or disorder, or to otherwise protect against or treata medical condition with the combinations and compositions of thepresent invention is selected in accordance with a variety of factors.These factors include, but are not limited to, the type, age, weight,sex, diet, and medical condition of the subject, the severity of thedisease, the route of administration, pharmacological considerationssuch as the activity, efficacy, pharmacokinetics and toxicology profilesof the particular inhibitors employed, whether a drug delivery system isutilized, and whether the inhibitors are administered with other activeingredients. Thus, the dosage regimen actually employed may vary widelyand therefore deviate from the preferred dosage regimen set forth above.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Synthesis and Purification of GCRA Peptides

The GCRA peptides were synthesized using standard methods forsolid-phase peptide synthesis. Either a Boc/Bzl or Fmoc/tBu protectinggroup strategy was selected depending upon the scale of the peptide tobe produced. In the case of smaller quantities, it is possible to getthe desired product using an Fmoc/tBu protocol, but for largerquantities (1 g or more), Boc/Bzl is superior.

In each case the GCRA peptide was started by either using a pre-loadedWang (Fmoc) or Merrifield (Boc) or Pam (Boc) resin. For products withC-terminal Leu, Fmoc-Leu-Wang (D-1115) or Boc-Leu-Pam resin (D-1230) orBoc-Leu-Merrifield (D-1030) Thus, for peptides containing the C-terminald-Leu, the resin was Fmoc-dLeu-Wang Resin (D-2535) andBoc-dLeu-Merrifield, Boc-dLeu-Pam-Resin (Bachem Product D-1230 andD-1590, respectively) (SP-332 and related analogs). For peptidesproduced as C-terminal amides, a resin with Ramage linker (BachemProduct D-2200) (Fmoc) or mBHA (Boc) (Bachem Product D-1210 was used andloaded with the C-terminal residue as the first synthetic step.

Fmoc-tBu Overview

Each synthetic cycle consisted deprotection with 20% piperidine in DMF.Resin washes were accomplished with alternating DMF and IpOH to swelland shrink the resin, respectively. Peptide synthesis elongated thechain from the C-terminus to the N-terminus. Activation chemistry foreach amino acid was with HBTU/DIEA in a 4 fold excess for 45 minutes. Inautomated chemistries, each amino acid was double coupled to maximizethe coupling efficiency. To insure the correct position of disulfidebonds, the Cys residues were introduced as Cys(Acm) at positions 15 and7. Cys(Trt) was positioned at Cys4 and Cys12. This protecting groupstrategy yields the correct topoisomer as the dominant product (75:25).(For enterotoxin analogs, a third disulfide bond protecting group (Mob)was utilized).

For peptides containing C-terminal Aeea (aminoethyloxyethyloxyacetyl)groups, these were coupled to a Ramage amide linker using the sameactivation chemistry above by using an Fmoc-protected Aeea derivative.The Cys numbering in these cases remains the same and the positioning ofthe protecting groups as well. For the peptides containing theN-terminal extension of Aeea, the Cys residue numbering will beincreased by three Cys4 becomes Cys7, Cys12 becomes Cys15; Cys7 becomesCys10 and Cys 15 becomes Cys18. The latter pair is protected with Acmand the former pair keeps the Trt groups.

For analogs containing D-amino acid substitutions, these were introduceddirectly by incorporating the correctly protected derivative at thedesired position using the same activation chemistry described in thisdocument. For Fmoc strategies, Fmoc-dAsn(Trt)-OH, Fmoc-dAsn(Xan)-OH,Fmoc-dAsp(tBu)-OH, Fmoc-dGlu(tBu)-OH and for Boc strategies,Boc-dAsn(Xan)-OH, Boc-dAsn(Trt)-OH, Boc-dAsp(Chx), Boc-dAsp(Bzl)-OH,Boc-dGlu(Chx)-OH and Boc-dGlu(Bzl)-OH would be utilized.

Each peptide is cleaved from the solid-phase support using a cleavagecocktail of TFA:H2O:Trisisopropylsilane (8.5:0.75:0.75) ml/g of resinfor 2 hr at RT. The crude deprotected peptide is filtered to remove thespent resin beads and precipitated into ice-cold diethylether.

Each disulfide bonds was introduced orthogonally. Briefly, the crudesynthetic product was dissolved in water containing NH₄OH to increasethe pH to 9. Following complete solubilization of the product, thedisulfide bond was made between the Trt deprotected Cys residues bytitration with H₂O₂. The monocyclic product was purified by RP-HPLC. Thepurified mono-cyclic product was subsequently treated with a solution ofiodine to simultaneously remove the Acm protecting groups and introducethe second disulfide bond.

For enterotoxin analogs, the Mob group was removed via treatment of thedicyclic product with TFA 85% containing 10% DMSO and 5% thioanisole for2 hr at RT.

Each product was then purified by RP-HPLC using a combination buffersystem of TEAP in H2O versus MeCN, followed by TFA in H2O versus MeCN.Highly pure fractions were combined and lyophilized. The final productwas converted to an Acetate salt using either ion exchange with Acetateloaded Dow-Ex resin or using RP-HPLC using a base-wash step with NH₄OAcfollowed by 1% AcOH in water versus MeCN.

It is also possible to prepare enterotoxin analogs using a randomoxidation methodology using Cys(Trt) in Fmoc or Cys(MeB) in Boc.Following cleavage, the disulfide bonds can be formed using disulfideinterchange redox pairs such as glutathione (red/ox) and/orcysteine/cystine. This process will yield a folded product that thedisulfide pairs must be determined as there would be no way of knowingtheir position directly.

Boc-Bzl Process

Peptide synthesis is initiated on a Merrifield or Pam pre-loaded resinor with mBHA for peptides produced as C-terminal amides. Each syntheticcycle consists of a deprotection step with 50% TFA in MeCL2. The resinis washed repetitively with MeCl2 and MeOH. The TFA salt formed isneutralized with a base wash of 10% TEA in MeCl2. The resin is washedwith MeCl2 and MeOH and lastly with DMF prior to coupling steps. Acolorimetric test is conducted to ensure deprotection. Each coupling ismediated with diisopropyl carbodiimide with HOBT to form the activeester. Each coupling is allowed to continue for 2 hr at RT or overnighton difficult couplings. Recouplings are conducted with either Uronium orPhosphonium reagents until a negative colorimetric test is obtained forfree primary amines. The resin is then washed with DMF, MeCl2 and MeOHand prepared for the next solid-phase step. Cys protection utilizesCys(Acm) at positions 7 and 15, and Cys(MeB) at Cys 4 and Cys12.

Cleavage and simultaneous deprotection is accomplished by treatment withHF using anisole as a scavenger (9:1:1) ml:ml:g (resin) at 0° C. for 60min. The peptide is subsequently extracted from the resin andprecipitated in ice cold ether. The introduction of disulfide bonds andpurification follows the exact same protocol described above for theFmoc-produced product.

Example 2 In Vitro Proteolytic Stability Using Simulated Gastric Fluid(SGF) Digestion

The stability of the GRCA peptide according to the invention isdetermined in the presence of simulated gastric fluid (SGF). GRCApeptide (final concentration of 8.5 mg/ml) is incubated in SGF (Proteosepeptone (8.3 g/liter; Difco), D-Glucose (3.5 g/liter; Sigma), NaCl (2.05g/liter; Sigma), KH₂PO₄ (0.6 g/liter; Sigma), CaCl₂ (0.11 g/liter), KCl(0.37 g/liter; Sigma), Porcine bile (final 1× concentration 0.05g/liter; Sigma) in PBS, Lysozyme (final 1× concentration 0.10 g/liter;Sigma) in PBS, Pepsin (final 1× concentration 0.0133 g/liter; Sigma) inPBS). SGF is made on the day of the experiment and the pH is adjusted to2.0±0.1 using HCl or NaOH as necessary. After the pH adjustment, SGF issterilized filtered with 0.22 μm membrane filters. SP-304 (finalconcentration of 8.5 mg/ml) is incubated in SGF at 37° C. for 0, 15, 30,45, 60 and 120 min in triplicate aliquots. Following incubations,samples are snap frozen in dry ice then are stored in a −80° C. freezeruntil they are assayed in duplicate.

Example 3 In Vitro Proteolytic Stability Using Simulated IntestinalFluid (SIF) Digestion

The stability of the GRCA peptide is also evaluated against digestionwith simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). SIF solution was prepared by themethod as described in the United States Pharmacopoeia, 24th edition, p2236. The recipe to prepare SIF solution is as described below. The SIFsolution contains NaCl (2.05 g/liter; Sigma), KH₂PO₄ (0.6 g/liter;Sigma), CaCl₂ (0.11 g/liter), KCl (0.37 g/liter; Sigma), and Pacreatin10 mg/ml. The pH is adjusted to 6 and the solution is filter sterilized.A solution of SP-304 (8.5 mg/ml) is incubated in SGF at 37° C. for 0,30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 300 min in triplicate aliquots. Followingincubations, samples are removed and snap frozen with dry ice and storedin a −80° C. freezer until they are assayed in duplicate. F

The integrity of GRCA peptide is evaluated by HPLC by essentially usingthe method described for SGF digestion.

Example 4 Cyclic GMP Stimulation Assays

The ability of the GCRA peptide to bind to and activate the intestinalGC-C receptor is tested by using T 84 human colon carcinoma cell line.Human T84 colon carcinoma cells are obtained from the American TypeCulture Collection. Cells are grown in a 1:1 mixture of Ham's F-12medium and Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with10% fetal bovine serum, 100 U penicillin/ml, and 100 g/ml streptomycin.The cells are fed fresh medium every third day and split at a confluenceof approximately 80%.

Biological activity of the GCRA peptides is assayed as previouslyreported (15). Briefly, the confluent monolayers of T-84 cells in24-well plates are washed twice with 250 μl of DMEM containing 50 mMHEPES (pH 7.4), pre-incubated at 37° C. for 10 min with 250 μl of DMEMcontaining 50 mM HEPES (pH 7.4) and 1 mM isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX),followed by incubation with GCRA peptides (0.1 nM to 10.mu.M) for 30min. The medium is aspirated, and the reaction is terminated by theaddition of 3% perchloric acid. Following centrifugation, andneutralization with 0.1 N NaOH, the supernatant is used directly formeasurements of cGMP using an ELISA kit (Caymen Chemical, Ann Arbor,Mich.).

Example 5 Peggylated Peptides

The other strategy to render peptides more resistant towards digestionsagainst digestive proteases is to peggylate them at the N- andC-terminal. The peptide GCRA peptide is peggylated with theaminoethyloxy-ethyloxy-acetic acid (Aeea) group at the C-terminal (or atthe N-terminal or at both termini. Cyclic GMP synthesis in T84 cells ismeasured by the method as described above.

Example 6 Combination of Guanylate Cyclase Receptor Agonists withPhosphodiesterase Inhibitors

Regulation of intracellular concentrations of cyclic nucleotides (i.e.,cAMP and cGMP) and thus, signaling via these second messengers, isgenerally considered to be governed by their rates of production versustheir rates of destruction within cells. Thus, levels of cGMP in tissuesand organs can also be regulated by the levels of expression ofcGMP-specific phosphodiesterases (cGMP-PDE), which are generallyoverexpressed in cancer and inflammatory diseases. Therefore, acombination consisting of an agonist of GC-C with an inhibitor ofcGMP-PDE might produce synergistic effect on levels of cGMP in thetarget tissues and organs.

Sulindac Sulfone (SS) and Zaprinast (ZAP) are two of the knowninhibitors of cGMP-PDE and has shown to induce apoptosis in cancer cellsvia a cGMP-dependent mechanism. SS and ZAP in combination with GCRApeptide is evaluated to see if these PDE inhibitors have any synergisticeffect on intracellular accumulation of cGMP

Example 7 An Oral Range-Finding Toxicity Study in Cynomolgus Monkeys

The objective of the study is to determine the toxicity of the GRCApeptides according to the invention following a single oral gavageadministration to the cynomolgus monkey and to allow assessment ofreversibility of any changes following a minimum 7-dayobservation/washout period. Each GRCA peptide according to the inventionwill be given at two different dose levels.

Experimental Design

The test (e.g., the GRCA peptides according to the invention) andcontrol/vehicle article will be administered in three phases separatedby a minimum 7-day observation period. Each phase will consist of asingle oral gavage administration to female cynomolgus monkeys asindicated in the tables below:

Phase 1:

Eight non-naive female cynomolgus monkeys will be transferred from theITR Spare Monkey colony and assigned to four dose groups as follows:

Dose Dose Concen- Dose Number of Group Group Study Level tration VolumeAnimals Number Designation Days (mg/kg) (mg/mL) (mL/kg) (Females) 1Control/ 1 0 0 10 2 Vehicle 4 2 Test Peptides 1 1 0.1 10 2 4 4

Following completion of the Phase 1 dosing, all monkeys will be observedfor 33 days. Upon completion of the observation period, all monkeys willbe transferred back to the ITR Spare Monkey Colony.

Phase 2:

The same eight non-naïve female cynomolgus monkeys as previously used inPhase 1 will be transferred from the ITR Spare Monkey colony andassigned to four dose groups as follows:

Dose Dose Concen- Dose Number of Group Group Study Level tration VolumeAnimals Number Designation Day (mg/kg) (mg/mL) (mL/kg) (Females) 1Control/ 1 10 1 10 2 Vehicle 2 Test Peptides 1 10 1 10 2

Following completion of the Phase 2 dosing, all monkeys will be observedfor a minimum of 7 days.

Route of Administration

The oral route of administration has been chosen because it is apreferred human therapeutic route.

Preparation of Test and Control/Vehicle Articles

The test and control/vehicle articles will be prepared fresh on the dayof dosing in cold distilled water (maintained in an ice water bath). Asufficient amount of test article powder will be added to theappropriate amount of distilled water in order to achieve the desiredconcentration. The dose formulations will be mixed by simple inversion.

Analysis of Test Article Concentration and Stability in the DoseFormulations

For possible confirmation of the concentration and stability of the testarticle in the formulations, representative samples will be taken fromthe middle of each concentration, including the control/vehicle articleon the first day of dosing of each group, as indicated below. Sampleswill be collected immediately after preparation on Day 1 and again afterdosing is completed on that day and will be stored frozen (approximately80° C. nominal) in 20 mL screw cap vials. Therefore, the remaining doseformulation vials will be returned to the Pharmacy Department as soon aspossible after completion of dosing.

Group 1: 1.5 mL in duplicate from the middle on Day 1 (pre-dose andpost-dose).

Group 2: 1.5 mL in duplicate from the middle on Day 1 (pre-dose andpost-dose).

Group 3: 1.5 mL in duplicate from the middle on Day 1 (pre-dose andpost-dose).

Group 4: 1.5 mL in duplicate from the middle on Day 1 (pre-dose andpost-dose).

The formulations will be maintained cold in an ice water bath during allsampling procedures.

The formulations will be stirred continuously with a stir bar for aminimum of 15 minutes prior to sampling.

The samples will be retained frozen (approximately −80° C. nominal) atITR until requested by the Sponsor to be shipped to a laboratorydesignated by the Sponsor for analysis. The samples can be discardedonce it is determined by the analyst and Study Director that they are nolonger needed. These samples' disposition will be recorded in the rawdata.

If analyzed, a Dose Formulation report will be prepared by the PrincipalInvestigator (Formulation analysis) and will be provided to ITR forinclusion in the final report.

Test System

Species/Strain: Cynomolgus Monkey (Macaca Fasicularis)

Source: Worldwide Primates Inc.,

-   -   P.O. Box 971279    -   Miami, Fla., 33187, USA    -   and    -   Covance Research Products Inc.    -   P.O. Box 549    -   Alice, Tex., 78333, USA        Total No. of monkeys on study: 8 non-naive females        Body Weight Range: 2-4 kg at onset of treatment        Age Range at Start: Young adult at onset of treatment        Acclimation Period The animals will be transferred from ITR's        spare    -   monkey colony. They are therefore, considered to be fully        acclimated to the laboratory environment.

The actual age and body weight ranges will be noted in the final report.

Administration of the Test and Control/Vehicle Articles

The test and control/vehicle articles will be administered by oralgavage administration using a gavage tube attached to a syringe in threePhases separated by a minimum 7-day observation/washout period. Eachdosing session will consist of a single oral gavage administration. Thegavage tube will be flushed with 3 mL of reverse osmosis waterimmediately following administration of the dose formulation in order toensure that the entire dose volume has been delivered to the animal. Thedose volume will be 10 mL/kg for all animals, including controls. Theactual volume administered to each monkey on Day 1 of each Phase will becalculated using the Day-1 body weights of each Phase.

Dosing formulations will be maintained cold during dose administrationby placing them in an ice water bath.

The dosing formulations must be placed on a stir plate for a minimum of15 minutes prior to the start of dosing and maintained on the stir platethroughout the dosing procedure.

The dosing formulations must be used within 2 hours of preparation.

Clinical Observations

Cage-side clinical signs (ill health, behavioral changes etc.) will berecorded as indicated below except on detailed clinical examinationdays, where the morning cage-side clinical signs will be replaced by adetailed clinical examination (DCE). During regular cage side clinicalsigns and detailed examinations, particular attention will be paid tostools with respect to amount of stools produced, description of stools,etc.

Cage side clinical signs will be performed as follows:

During the pretreatment period and during the 7-day (minimum)observation periods: Three times per day with a minimum of 3 hoursbetween each occasion.

On the dosing day of Phase 1: pre-dose, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hourspost-dosing

On the dosing day of Phase 2: pre-dose, continuously for the first 4hours post-dose and at 6, 8 and 24 hours post-dosing

On the dosing day of Phase 3: pre-dose, continuously for the first 4hours post-dose and at 6, 8 and 24 hours post-dosing

A detailed clinical examination of each monkey will be performed once atthe time of animal transfer and once weekly thereafter.

Animals whose health status is judged to warrant additional evaluationwill be examined by a Clinical Veterinarian, or a technician workingunder the supervision of the Clinical Veterinarian. Anyveterinarian-recommended treatments will only be performed onceagreement has been obtained from the Study Director. Where possible, theSponsor will be consulted prior to administration of therapeutic drugs.

Body weights will be recorded for all animals once daily from the day oftransfer through to the end of the study.

Food consumption will be recorded for all animals once daily from theday of transfer through to the end of the study.

Cages will be cleaned prior to the start of the daily food consumptionto ensure no food cookies remain in the cage. Monkeys will be fed 7cookies before 12 pm and 7 cookies after 12 pm. The sum of the totalnumber of cookies given for the day will be recorded.

The next morning, a visual check will be performed to see how manycookies are left in the cage. The number of whole cookies remaining inthe food hopper or on the tray will be recorded. The number of wholecookies left will be subtracted from the total number of cookies givenin order to calculate the number of cookies eaten.

Example 8 Suckling Mouse Model of Intestinal Secretion (SUMI Assay)

The GCRA peptides described herein can be tested for their ability toincrease intestinal secretion using a suckling mouse model of intestinalsecretion. In this model a GCRA peptide is administered to suckling micethat are between seven and nine days old. After the mice are sacrificed,the gastrointestinal tract from the stomach to the cecum is dissected(“guts”). The remains (“carcass”) as well as the guts are weighed andthe ratio of guts to carcass weight is calculated. If the ratio is above0.09, one can conclude that the test compound increases intestinalsecretion. Controls for this assay may include wild-type SP-304, STpolypeptide and Zelnorm®. Phenylbenzoquinone-induced writhing model

The PBQ-induced writhing model can be used to assess pain controlactivity of the GCRA peptide described herein. This model is describedby Siegmund et al. (1957 Proc. Soc. Exp. Bio. Med. 95:729-731). Briefly,one hour after oral dosing with a test compound, e.g., a GCRA peptide,morphine or vehicle, 0.02% phenylbenzoquinone (PBQ) solution (12.5mL/kg) is injected by intraperitoneal route into the mouse. The numberof stretches and writhings are recorded from the 5^(th) to the 10^(th)minute after PBQ injection, and can also be counted between the 35^(th)and 40^(th) minute and between the 60^(th) and 65^(th) minute to providea kinetic assessment. The results are expressed as the number ofstretches and writhings (mean±SEM) and the percentage of variation ofthe nociceptive threshold calculated from the mean value of thevehicle-treated group. The statistical significance of any differencesbetween the treated groups and the control group is determined by aDunnett's test using the residual variance after a one-way analysis ofvariance (P<0.05) using SigmaStat Software.

Example 9 Pharmacokinetic Property Determination of GCRA Peptides

Serum samples are extracted from the whole blood of exposed (mice dosedorally or intravenously with GCRA peptides (s) described herein) andcontrol mice, then injected directly (10 mL) onto an in-line solid phaseextraction (SPE) column (Waters Oasis HLB 25 μm column, 2.0×15 mm directconnect) without further processing. The sample on the SPE column iswashed with a 5% methanol, 95% dH₂O solution (2.1 mL/min, 1.0 minute),then loaded onto an 0 analytical column using a valve switch that placesthe SPE column in an inverted flow path onto the analytical column(Waters Xterra MS C8 5 μm IS column, 2.1×20 mm). The sample is elutedfrom the analytical column with a reverse phase gradient (Mobile PhaseA: 10 mM ammonium hydroxide in dH₂O, Mobile Phase B: 10 mM ammoniumhydroxide in 80% acetonitrile and 20% methanol; 20% B for the first 3minutes then ramping to 95% B over 4 min. and holding for 2 5 min., allat a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min.). At 9.1 minutes, the gradient returns tothe initial conditions of 20% B for 1 min. polypeptide is eluted fromthe analytical column and is detected by triple-quadrapole massspectrometry (MRM, 764 (+2 charge state)>182 (+1 charge state) Da; conevoltage=30V; collision=20 eV; parent resolution=2 Da at base peak;daughter resolution=2 Da at base peak). Instrument response is convertedinto concentration units by comparison with a standard curve using knownamounts of chemically synthesized polypeptide(s) prepared and injectedin mouse plasma using the same procedure.

Similarly, pharmacokinetic properties are determined in rats using LCMSmethodology. Rat plasma samples containing the GCRA peptide areextracted using a Waters Oasis MAX 96 well solid phase extraction (SPE)plate. A 200 μL volume of rat plasma is mixed with 200 L of ¹³Cg,¹⁵N-labeled polypeptide in the well of a prepared SPE plate. The samplesare drawn through the stationary phase with 15 mm Hg vacuum. All samplesare rinsed with 200 μL of 2% ammonium hydroxide in water followed by 200μL of 20% methanol in water. The samples are eluted with consecutive 100L volumes of May 20, 1975 formic acid/water/methanol and 100 μL May 15,1980 formic acid/water/methanol. The samples are dried under nitrogenand resuspended in 100 μL of 20% methanol in water. Samples are analyzedby a Waters Quattro Micro mass spectrometer coupled to a Waters 1525binary pump with a Waters 2777 autosampler. A 40 μL volume of eachsample is injected onto a Thermo Hypersil GOLD C18 column (2.1×50 mm, 5um). polypeptide is eluted by a gradient over 3 minutes withacetonitrile and water containing 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid. TheQuattro Micro mass spectrometer is run in multiple reaction monitoring(MRM) mode using the mass transitions of, for example 764>182 or682>136. Using this methodology, polypeptide is dosed orally and by IVto rats at 10 mg/kg. Pharmacokinetic properties including area under thecurve and bioavailabilty are determined.

Example 10 Diuresis Related Experiments Effect on Diuresis andNatriuresis

The effect of GCRA peptides described herein on diuresis and natriuresiscan be determined using methodology similar to that described inWO06/001931 (examples 6 (p. 42) and 8 (p. 45)). Briefly, thepolypeptide/agonist described herein (180-pmol) is infused for 60 mininto a group of 5 anesthetized mice or primates. Given an estimated ratplasma volume of 10 mL, the infusion rate is approximately 3μmol/mL/min. Blood pressure, urine production, and sodium excretion aremonitored for approximately 40 minutes prior to the infusion, during theinfusion, and for approximately 50 minutes after the infusion to measurethe effect of the GCRA peptides on diuresis and natriuresis. Forcomparison, a control group of five rats is infused with regular saline.Urine and sodium excretion can be assessed. Dose response can also bedetermined. polypeptide/GC-C agonist described herein is infusedintravenously into mice or primates over 60 minutes. Urine is collectedat 30 minute intervals up to 180 minutes after termination ofpolypeptide/GC-C agonist infusion, and urine volume, sodium excretion,and potassium excretion are determined for each collection interval.Blood pressure is monitored continuously. For each dose a dose-responserelationship for urine volume, sodium and potassium excretion can bedetermined. Plasma concentration of the polypeptide/GC-agonist is alsodetermined before and after iv infusion.

Mouse or Primate Diuresis Experiment: Once an appropriate level ofanesthesia has been achieved, a sterile polyurethane catheter isinserted into the urethra and secured using 1-2 drops of veterinary bondadhesive applied to urethra/catheter junction. Animals are then dosedwith either vehicle or test article via the intravenous orintraperitoneal route. Animals are allowed to regain consciousness, andthe volume of urine excreted over a 1-5 hour duration is recordedperiodically for each rat.

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We claim:
 1. A peptide consisting essentially of the amino acid sequenceof dAsn-Asp-Glu-Cys-Glu-Leu-Cys-Val-Asn-Val-Ala-Cys-Thr-Gly-Cys-dSer(SEQ ID NO: 4), wherein said peptide is a [4,12;7,15] bicyclic peptide.2. The peptide of claim 1, wherein the C-terminus is amidated.
 3. Apharmaceutical composition in unit dose comprising a guanylate cyclasereceptor agonist peptide of claim 1 or 2 present in a therapeuticallyeffective amount and a pharmaceutical carrier, excipient or diluent. 4.The pharmaceutical composition of claim 3, wherein the unit dose form isselected from the group consisting of a tablet, a capsule, a solution orinhalation formulation.